A system and method for assessment of circular economy KPIS across the value-chain

Abstract

A circularity scorecar d management platform that manages a product lifecycle of a manufactured product participated by a plurality of stakeholders along a circular value chain. For a stakeholder from the plurality of stakeholders the platform receives resources a circularity scorecard and embodied KPIs per unit of the resources from an upstream one the plurality' of stakeholders: intaking KPIs from execution of a manufacturing process that transforms the received resources into subsequent resources conducted by the stakeholder; generates the circularity scorecard per unit of the subsequent resources for die stakeholder from the intake of the KPIs and the embodied KPIs; and utilizes the circularity scorecard of the stakeholder to generate another circularity' scorecard for a downstream one of the plurality of stakeholders. The platform provides an interface to access the circularity7 scorecard for any of the plurality of stakeholders for the manufactured product.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ASSESSMENT OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY KPIS ACROSS THE VALUE-CHAINBACKGROUNDField

[0001] The present disclosure is directed to supply chain management platforms, and more specifically, for providing facilitation of audit and compliance via circularity scorecards tor manufactured goods and processes along a value chain.Related ai t

[0002] Globally, there is tremendous momentum towards making energy and transportation sustainable, but these industries contribute to 55% of emissions. The remaining 45% are associated with the linear model of making-using-disposing products. This, along with other megatrends of resource scarcity and increasing firagility of prevalent global supply-chains are making it imperative for manufacturing companies to transition to a circular Economy. Manufacturers are increasingly looking to transition to circularity, but lack of comprehensive Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) remains a huge barrier.

[0003] In the manufacturing sector, two primary issues that occur involve being under pressure to be more sustainable (e.g., due to regulationsZcustomers / management requirement) but not being provided with guidelines regarding how to become more sustainable, and the requir ement to report on the progress regarding sustainability without being informed of the proper measures or the data required.

[0004] When it comes to the circular economy (CE), such problems are even more exacerbated. Related art circularity measures are either too generic or too difficult to apply. Many existing solutions are highly focused on a single aspect (such as track and trace) and do not provide a comprehensive picture. Standards such as EU ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards) and UNI / TS 11820:2022 (a method for measuring the circularity of an organization) are emerging, but tying these nascent standards to the value-chain and business processes is an issue. Data collection remains highly manual, making reporting challenging and infrequent.

[0005] As circular economy gains importance, the need for metrics and KPIs to measure the progress and optimize is clearly being felt across industries.

[0096] Iii the related art, there are survey-based tools that facilitate the evaluation of the CE, however, such related art implementations do not allow for continuous measurement, require immense manual effort for data collection, are fairly genetic and hence contain little actionable information, and tend to prioritize environment over social and business value and focus on environment metrics. Businesses on the other hand are drives by business value first. Further', such related art survey-based implementations make it difficult to understand the tradeoffs between environment, social and economic, and are focused on a single stakeholder and not the entire value-chain.

[0007] In the relaxed art, there are emerging software-based tools, such as a blockchain based tool for materials tracking, a solution for product sustainability and lifecycle assessment, a software solution to facilitate Circular Economy operations and to manage extended producer responsibility (EPR) obligation, or solutions for environmental and social governance (ESG) data collection, analysis and reporting. However, such software-based tools are limited in scope and focus on a single aspect (such as lifecycle assessment, or materials tracking, or just the ESG KPIs). In addition, such related art implementations still require massive manual effort for data collection and are focused on a single stakeholder and not the whole value-chain. The related art implementations do not enable metrics balance at various levels in the value-chain.

[0008] In addition, the emerging software-based tools in the related art are limited to the environment metrics and do not typically cover social and economic metrics. For most tools, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy, and scope reporting are the primary focus. Economic metrics are not taken into account. It can also be hard to understand the tradeoffs between environment, social and economic with such software-based tools. In addition, such related art tools may not focus on tire manufacturing segment, but on buildings and facility management.

[0009] In the related art implementation, there is a mass balance implementation involving a sourcing tracking approach that allows for certified and non-certified input resources to become mixed during the logistics and manufacturing processes. Mass balance implementations are primarily associated with tracking the materials.

[0010] In the related art implementations, there are also Digital Product Passports (DPP) that track and trace of material and products, and GHG emissions.SUMMARY

[0011] There is a clear need to define KPIs, evolve measurement approaches, and enable regular data collection and KPI computation. In addition, there is a need to analyze the data to enable what-if analyses and benchmarking; provide recommendations to minimize resource leakage and environmental footprint; and maximize circularity. economic benefits and societal benefits. To be effective, the KPIs need to measure the impact across all stakeholders in the circular value-chain.

[0012] The example implementations described herein can drastically simplify filling survey-based questionnaires by simplifying collection and use of data. The example implementations described herein can also incorporate software-based tools as a data-source. Example implementations can also expand the approach to track the embodied KPIs in resources and decouple the downstream allocation of KPIs from the resource itself. The approach is

[0013] The example implementations described herein are also complementary to DPP and can enhance them by including more detailed and more actionable information.

[0014] Aspects of the present disclosure can involve a method for a circularity scorecard management platform that manages a product lifecycle of a manufactured product participated by a plurality of stakeholders along a circular value chain, each of the plurality of stakeholders intaking upstream resources to produces resources for downstream stakeholders to facilitate the product lifecycle, the method involving, for a stakeholder from the plurality of stakeholders, receiving resources a circularity scorecard and embodied key performance indicators (KPIs) per unit of the resources from an upstream one the plurality of stakeholders; intaking KPIs from execution of a manufacturing process that transforms the received resources into subsequent resources conducted by the stakeholder; generating the circularity scorecard per unit of the subsequent resources for the stakeholder fr om the intake of the KPIs and the embodied KPIs: and utilizing the circularity scorecard of the stakeholder- to generate another circularity scorecard for a downstream one of the plurality of stakeholders, and providing an interface to access the circularity scorecard for any of the plurality of stakeholders tor the manufactured product,

[0015] Aspects of the present disclosure can involve a computer program, storing instructions for a circularity scorecard management platform that manages a product lifecycleof a manufactured product participated by a plurality of stakeholders along a circular value chain, each of the plurality of stakeholders intaking upstream resources to produces resources for downstream stakeholders to facilitate the product lifecycle, the instructions involving, for a stakeholder from the plurality of stakeholders, receiving resources a circularity scorecard and embodied key performance indicators (KPIs) per unit of the resources from an upstream one the plurality of stakeholders; intaking KPIs from execution of a manufacturing process that transforms the received resources into subsequent resources conducted by the stakeholder; generating the circularity scorecard per unit of the subsequent resources for the stakeholder from the intake of the KPIs and the embodied KPIs; and utilizing the circularity1scorecard of the stakeholder to generate another circularity scorecard tor a downstream one of the plurality of stakeholders, and providing an interface to access the circularity scorecard tor any of the plurality of stakeholders for the manufactured product. The computer program and instructions can be stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium and executed by one or more processors.

[0016] Aspects of the present disclosure can involve a system for a circularity scorecard management platform that manages a product lifecycle of a manufactured product participated by a plurality of stakeholders along a cir cular value chain, each of the plurality of stakeholders intaking upstream resources to produces resources for downstream stakeholders to facilitate die product lifecycle, the system involving, for a stakeholder from the plurality of stakeholders, means for receiving resources a circularity scorecard and embodied key performance indicators (KPIs) per unit of the resources from an upstream one the plurality of stakeholders; means for intaking KPIs from execution of a manufacturing process that transforms the received resources into subsequent resources conducted by the stakeholder; means for generating the circularity scorecard per unit of the subsequent resources for the stakeholder from the intake of the KPIs and the embodied KPIs; and means for utilizing the circularity scorecard of the stakeholder to generate another circularity scorecard for a downstream one of the plurality of stakeholders, and providing an interface to access the circularity scorecard for any of die plurality of stakeholders for the manufactured product,BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a circularity' value-chain

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates the proposed circular value-chain KPI platform, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0019] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the notation used, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a case in which embodied KPIs are split proportionally , in accordance with an example implementation.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a case in which embodied KPIs are split disproportionately, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of die metric balance and circularity score, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0023] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a circulatory scorecard, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a plurality of systems that are networked to a management apparatus, in accordance with an example implementation.

[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates an example computing environment with an example computer device suitable for use in some example implementations.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following detailed description provides details of die figures and example implementations of the present application. Reference numerals and descriptions of redundant elements between figures are omitted for clarity. Terms used throughout the description are provided as examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the use of the teim “automatic” may involve folly automatic or semi-automatic implementations involving user or administrator control over certain aspects of the implementation, depending on the desired implementation of one of the ordinary skills in the art practicing implementations of the present application. Selection can be conducted by a user through a user interface or other input means, or can be implemented through a desired algorithm. Example implementations as described herein can be utilized either singularly or in combination and the functionality of the exampleimplementations can be implemented through any means according to the desired implementations.

[0027] In the related art, the value-chain stakeholders operate in siloes, which means most of the available measures are limited to a single stakeholder and provide a very narrow view. Further, the scope is limited to reporting, while companies are looking to benchmark and require guidance to improve. Financial performance alone tends to be the key driver tor business decisions, and environmental and social performance are relegated to sustainability reports. CE has the potential provide all three values (economic, environmental, social) simultaneously . Hence, when transitioning to CE business models, the three dimensions need to be looked in conjunction to understand the tradeoffs.

[0028] The shift toward Circular Economy (CE) model requires fundamental changes to minimize waste, reduce resource consumption, establish closed-loops and adopt sustainable business processes. However, transitioning to a CE can also unlock tremendous value for manufacturing companies. For this transformation, KPIs that provide a structured framework for assessing and quantifying progress are critical. KPIs are needed to measure and monitor critical factors such as resource efficiency, waste reduction, product life cycle analysis, and sustainable supply chain management. Companies also need standardized KPIs, to benchmark their performance, set specific targets, and track their journey towards circularity. KPIs are needed to facilitate transparency and accountability and address regulatory requirements as well. Metrics exist to measure the environmental impact and business performance separately, but true CE transformation requires us to measure and optimize them collectively, especially across the entire value chain. Such comprehensive KPI sets are non-existent.

[0029] For manufacturing industries, there are requirements as follows.

[0030] Need to include economic KPIs: While a CE transition is supposed to provide economic, environmental and social benefits, most approaches are focused on KPIs to measure environmental impact. However, business decisions prioritize economic impact hence there is a strong need to measure and inchide economic KPIs.

[0031] Need to collect data from across the value-chain: Most current approaches focus on a single stakeholder and rely on data available with that stakeholder. This allows KPIs associated only with value-addition done by that stakeholder to be computed. To compute product-level KPIs, data from the entire value-chain is needed. In addition, currently the datacollection is a tedious, often manual process, which means the KPIs can be computed infrequently.

[0032] Need for confidentiality of information between stakeholders: Stakeholders are wary of sharing information with other value-chain stakeholders. Sharing detailed information on KPIs may result in a leak of information about their internal processes (e.g., chemical manufacturers fear reporting KPIs can reveal their manufacturing pathways to their competitors).

[0033] Need for aggregated metrics: KPIs and metrics associated with different aspects (economic, environmental and social) often have tradeoffs. When the KPIs are seen in isolation, it can be hard to understand these tradeoffs. Therefore, there is a need to compute aggerated metrics that allow KPIs to be analyzed in conjunction.

[0034] Need for verifiability and detecting greenwashing: Greenwashing is a huge issue. Metrics and KPIs for a single stakeholder make it hard to detect greenwashing. Data ftom across the value-chain when available can make detecting greenwashing easier.

[0035] Need for flexibility in attributing metrics to products: Production can happen through multiple manufacturing pathways (e.g., a company producing new and remanufactured products or a company producing the same model across different geogr aphies and plants). The footprint associated with each of the pathways may be quite different. When the products are passed on to downstream buyers, there may be a need to differentially attribute the metrics to die products (for instance, passing lower embedded GHG emissions to a customer willing to pay a higher price for the product). Such flexibility is needed along with ways to ensure data verifiability and integrity .

[0036] Example implementations described herein can involve a platform-solution to measure and track CE KPIs across the value chain for industrial products manufacturing. The proposed approach enables measurement of economic, environment and social KPIs at each stage of the value-chain; allows stakeholders to flexibly distribute and pass on embodied KPIs io the downstream stakeholders along with the products and material; maintains a metrics balance to prevent greenwashing; and enables calculation of a consolidate metric ‘circularity score’ at product unit level to enhance the digital product passports (DPP), as well as circularin,' score at the value chain entity7level .

[0037] The example implementations involve the following aspects.

[0038] KPI Definition framework: The example implementations facilitate a framework to define KPIs. Hie definition includes category, type, units, data requirements, frequency of measurement and weights to be used to compute circularity score.

[0039] Circular V alue-cham KPI Platform: the platform brings value chain stakeholders together and enables secure data (metrics and KPI) sharing between them for transparency while providing confidentiality, integrity, non-repudiation. Through the platform, a product's multiple lifecycles across the entire value-chain are tracked, and CE KPIs and metrics are progressively updated as the product gets manufactured, used, decommissioned, recovered and goes into second life. The platform allows stakeholders to maintain a 1:1 private channel between them and share only relevant metrics. The system ensures at aggregated level die metrics tally.

[0040] Value-chain Digital Twin for Circularity: Example implementations create a digital twin of the value-chain for an industrial product to facilitate measuring, tracking and managing circularity KPIs. The digital twin could be for die entire value-chain for complete transparency or could be for parts of the value-chain. The digital twin enables computation of metrics, scenario-planning, what-if analyses.

[0041] Circularity Score: The Circularity Score combines weighted values of the various metrics into a single value to make comparisons and trade-off evaluations easier. The circularity score can be computed for each product unit enabling comparisons of available products and selecting the subset that best meets the objectives of a stakeholder. The Circularity Score can also be computed at the stakeholder level to compare product batches, product lines and overall operations. Circularity Score is also useful for what-if analysis to compare various options of inputs and process operations.

[0042] Metrics Balance: For the material passed by one entity of the value-chain (suppliers) to the entities downstream (buyer's), the example implementations decouple allocation of embodied KPIs from the resource itself, if the supplier can ensure that the sum of embodied metrics across buyers will match tire metrics reported by the supplier at the aggregate level. The approach provides flexibility to the supplier in meeting differing embodied KPI requirements of the various buyers, while preventing greenwashing.

[0043] Circularity Scorecard: Digital product passports (DPP) are starting to gain traction, but they are limited to tracking and tracing product units through their lifecycle and focus on measuring carbon footprint. The example implementations involve the creation of a Circularity Scorecard that comprehensively tracks genealogy of products and materials; captures an exhaustive set of circularity metrics and KPIs; and enables end-to-end traceability and accountability.KPI Definition Framework

[0044] The first step is establishing a comprehensive set of Circular Economy (CE) Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). These KPIs, tailored specifically for the manufacturing sector, encompass environmental, economic, and social dimensions. The KPIs function as a robust framework for evaluating and guiding sustainability efforts.

[0045] KPIs can involve the following two categories . Standardized KPIs apply universally across the manufacturing industry (e.g., GHG Emissions or Energy Use). Industry-specific KPIs address unique challenges and considerations within specific manufacturing industry sectors (e.g., Eutrophication Potential related to effluents discharged by the chemical industry).

[0046] The proposed KPI Definition Framework provides a standardized way to define the KPIs. To enable the Circular Value-Chain KPI platform to effectively measure and optimize progress, each KPI will require clearly defined:

[0047] (a) KPI: Specific metric being measured (e.g., percentage of recycled content, water consumption).

[0048] (b) Category: Classification within the broader CE framework (e.g.,Environmental, Economic and Social)

[0049] (c) Sub-Category: Classification within the category (e.g., resource consumption, waste management).

[0050] (d) Type: Type of metric being measure (e.g., quantitative / numeric, nominal, ordinal, categorical).

[0051] (e) Units: Measurement scale (e.g., kilograms, liters, percentage).

[0052] (f) Data Requirements and Sources: Information needed to calculate the KPI and source of the information in the specific context of a business operation

[0053] (g) Frequency of Measurement: How often data is collected (e.g., monthly, quarterly).

[0054] (h) Weights: Relative importance of the KPI in calculating a Circularity Score (as described herein) and coefficient to normalize different KPIs to a standard unit.

[0055] Table 1 illustrates an example of the approach to define the KPIs, for a given quantity of resources.Table 1 - Example definition of KPIs

[0056] Weights and data sources are part of the KPI Definition Framework. These will be industry sec tor and use-case dependent.Weights associated with KPIs

[0057] Weights are assigned to CE KPIs to reflect their relative importance in calculating a Circularity Score (as described herein). These weights serve two key functions: (a) they indicate the significance of each KPI in contributing to the overall circularity assessment, and (b) they standardize the units of different KPIs, allowing for meaningful comparisons and aggregation into a single score.

[0058] Weights can be defined based on several factors. Examples include the following.

[0059] Specific KPIs: The inherent importance of each KPI to circular economy, to a valuechain ecosystem, and to a business.

[0060] Regional Context: Local regulations, regional price differences, resource availability, and environmental priorities.

[0061] Industry Sector: The unique challenges and opportunities specific to industry.Table 2 - Example weights associated with KPIs

[0062] Standardized weights across a value chain are necessary for consistent comparisons and benchmarking. However, the weights may need to be adjusted over time to reflect the following situations, such as the changing environment and the realignment with evolving priorities and strategic objectives of the key player(s) in the value-chain over time.

[0063] For example, the changing environment may result from changes in regulations, market conditions and technologies. For instance, if the penalty for releasing effluents in water bodies increases, the wastewater related weights may need to be adjusted.

[0064] With respect to the realignment with evolving priorities, for example, when a company7decides to become more environmentally responsible, the weightage associated with KPIs associated with the environment category may need to be revised.Circular Valne-chain KPI Platform

[0065] FIG. 1 illustra tes an example of a circularity value-chain.

[0066] Transitioning manufacturing to a Circular Economy entails designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible, and establishing closed loops. Products at end-of-use need to be brought back into reuse or given a new life through value-retention processes such as remanufacturing. Products that reach end-of-life must be recycled to extract embodied materials and energy . However, such closed loops require a tighter integration within the value-chain and strong collaboration between stakeholders.

[0067] Currently most value-chains are not setup for circularity due to the foilowing reasons.

[0068] Siloed operations: While resources and finances flow between stakeholders, data exchange is minimal, which hinders transparency and collaboration.

[0069] Forward-focused value chains: Traditional value chains are optimized for one-way resource flow - forward only. This prevents effective end-to-end lifecycle tracking. In contrast, circular value chains require both forward and reverse flows. Products and resources that reach end-of-use or end-of-life are required to be brought back into the value-chain. Comprehensive end-to-end tracking is therefore crucial for maximizing resource recovery and minimizing waste.

[0070] Lack of Standardized KPIs and inconsistent measurement: Hie lack of standardized key performance indicators (KPIs) across the value chain results in inconsistencies and makes comparisons between stakeholders difficult. It becomes difficult to track embodied KPIs in resources and products as they are transformed in the value-chain. This makes both stakeholders’ internal and external value-chain level evaluations of sustainability and circularity difficult, which hinders establishment of transparency and accountability .

[0071] Data Collection Challenge: Internal and external data siloes make comprehensive and frequent reporting very challenging. Infrequent reporting makes optimization and progress measurement difficult.

[0072] Confidentiality and Data Sharing Concern: Stakeholders do not want to share all KPIs and data with their upstream and downstream partners due to concerns about confidentiality.

[0073] Greenwashing concern: Siloed systems, disparate data and lack of transparency make it difficult to identify greenwashing t i.e.. companies overstating their sustainability efforts).

[0074] Emerging regulations: Regulations such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) are increasingly7being enacted, which require comprehensive product and material lifecycle tracking. Current systems are not geared for tills.

[0075] FIG. 2 illustrates the proposed circular value-chain KPI platform 200, in accordance with an example implementation. The proposed circular' value-chain KPI platform 200 transforms a value-chain by bringing stakeholders together onto a trusted platform and eliminating information siloes. The stakeholders can collaborate and share data, metrics and KPIs securely while maintaining transparency, confidentiality, integrity, and non-repudiation.

[0076] The stakeholders contribute the following data 201 for the data intake:

[0077] (a) Aggerated CE KPIs which provide overall circularity performance of dieir operations. In an example, this can be in the form of a circularity scorecard from the upstream stakeholders, as well as embodied KPIs per unit of resources (e.g., materials, parte, components, and so on used to make another material, part, component or product for die downstream stakeholder) from an upstream stakeholder as will be described herein.

[0078] (b) Downstream stakeholder KPIs that are passed along with resources to downstream stakeholders (which are considered embodied in transferred resources). Such KPIs can be derived from the execution of a manufacturing or oilier stakeholder process that transforms the resources into subsequent resources as conducted by the stakeholder.

[0079] (c) Unit-level KPIs calculated per uniquely identifiable resource unit which are recorded on its Circularity Scorecard.

[0080] Data Layer 202

[0081] The platform provides various data interfaces. The interfaces include: (a) application interfaces to connect to standard enterprise systems such as ERP, MRP, CRM, PLM, SCM, (b) API interfaces to integrate with non-standard applications and data sources, and (c) custom GUI-based applications to accommodate specific stakeholder needs.

[0082] Depending upon the data type, the system uses relational databases, distributed ledgers, and databases suitable for semi-structured and unstructured data. The data layer then cleans and unifies the disparate data from different sources, formats and stakeholders to create a composite and consistent view of the data. Data privacy is maintained by restricting visibility of data. Stakeholders can establish one-to-one channels between them and share only relevant and aggregated metrics. The system ensures that the metrics tally at an aggregate level and there is no leakage.

[0083] Analytics Layer 203

[0084] Based on the harmonized data a digital twin of the value-chain for circularity is created. The digital twin essentially is a digital representation of the value-chain and captures the interactions between stakeholders, including exchanges of resources, finances and data. Hie system enables tracking a product's journey through multiple lifecycles, capturing data ateach stage (manufacture, use, decommission, second life). The analytics applications utilize the digital twin to generate insights and for validation. These include:

[0085] (a) Metrics Balance: Enables validation and tallying of aggregated metrics with metrics that were split and passed to downstream stakeholders as embodied KPIs along with resources (as described herein)

[0086] (b) Circularity Score: Calculates Circularity Score for operations and unit quantity of resources (as described herein).

[0087] (c) Scenario Planning & What-if Analysis: Compares alternatives across supply(such as suppliers, materials, logistics, timing), production (processes, technologies, plan, resources and their utilization), and demand (such as customers, timing, end-use, logistics, and so on) sides, helping optimize various KPIs.

[0088] (d) Audit-trails & Certifications: Enables regulatory agencies and certification bodies to verify product genealogy and claimed KPIs.

[0089] (e) Optimization: Multi-objective optimization of various KPIs (Future development).

[0090] Output 204

[0091] The platform helps generate and maintain a circularity' scorecard for each uniquely identifiable resource produced by the value-chain. Through the circularity scorecard, it provides end-to-end tracking of products and materials, and embodied KPIs. The platform enables generation of regular data-driven circularity reports for the various stakeholders. In a subsequent phase, example implementations can facilitate an optimization component to provide recommendations and decision support to improve circularity as well.

[0092] The platform generates the circularity scorecard per unit of the resources for the stakeholder from the mrake of the KPIs and the embodied KPIs, which can then be used to calculate the circularity scorecard for a downstream stakeholder. Such a circularity scorecard can be provided to any of the stakeholders for the manufactured product through a user interface as implemented in accordance with the desired implementation.

[0093] Benefits of the Circular Value-chain KPI Platform

[0094] (a) Secure Data Sharing: Enables secure exchange of metrics and KPIs between stakeholders, to establish truss and improve collaboration.

[0095] (b) Complete Lifecycle Tracking: Tracks a product's journey across its multiple lifecycles within the entire value chain. CE KPIs and metrics are updated as the product is manufactured, used, decommissioned, and undergoes second life.

[0096] (c) Confidentiality and Verifiability: Stakeholders can control data sharing and share only relevant metrics with other stakeholders. The system ensure data integrity at the aggregated level through metrics balance approach.

[0097] (d) Automated Metric Calculation: By streamlining die data collection process and automating the circularity metrics calculation, regular reports can be efficiently and accurately generated.

[0098] (e) Improved Decision-Support: Scenario planning and what-if analyses, which enable stakeholders to make better informed decisions and accelerate progress towards circularity.Computation of KPIs, Metrics Balance and Circularity ScoreTable 3 - Assumptions and Notations

[0099] Production Period or Run (T)

[0100] Example implementations described herein introduce the concept of production period to assess the circularity of a process by comparing the current production with a past baseline production. Two key periods are defined herein:

[0101] a. Baseline Production (T = Baseline): This represents a past production period, potentially using different processes or resources. It serves as a reference point for evaluating the circularity improvements achieved in the current production.

[0102] b. Current Production (T = Current): This refers to a recent production period using the cunent set of processes and resources.

[0103] Initially, the baseline production may be a linear production model, which might have been the historical standard. This allows users to compare the current process against a fully linear reference point and quantify the circularity advancements made.

[0104] However, the baseline production can be adapted as the process evolves. After making a significant process change, the previous version of the process can become the new baseline. This enables users to measure die relative improvement achieved by the new process compared to the previous one.

[0105] It is crucial to ensure that the chosen baseline production represents an actual process capable of producing the same resource.

[0106] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of the notation used, in accordance with an example implementation.KPI Computations for a single resource type produced by a stakeholder timing a production period

[0107] Aggregate KPIs associated with production: Consider a particular stakeholder m (say a component manufacturer) producing a set of resources / products (Rm). The KPIs for stakeholder m related co die production of single resource p„ during a production period T are:

[0108] KPIs per unit of resource: For the stakeholder m (say a component manufacturer) producing a set of resources / products Rm), KPIs for per unit of resource p, produced during a production period r are :

[0109] Weighted Aggregated KPIs tor per unit of resource: For the stakeholder m (say a component manufacturer) producing a set of resources / products Rm), weighted aggregated KPIs for per uni t of resource p, produced during a production period r are:

[0116] Circularity Score for a unit of resource p: For the stakeholder nr (say a component manufacturer) producing a set of resources / products (R’n), the circularity score for a unit resource p, as measured for the current production period (T = current) relative to the baseline production period (r = baseline), is expressed as a percentage as:KPI Computations across all resource types produced by a stakeholder during a production period

[0111] Aggregate KPIs associated with all production (multiple resource types): Consider a particular stakeholder m (say a component manufacturer) producing a set of resources / products R'" ). The KPIs for stakeholder m related to the production of all resources (R™}, during a production period i are:

[0112] Aggregate KPIs related to unused inventory: aggiegate KPIs for resources received by stakeholder m during the production period r, but not used and retained as unused inventory' are:

[0113] Weighted Aggregated KPIs related to all production: For the stakeholder m (say a component manufacturer), producing a set of resources / products { Pm) , the weighted aggregated KPIs related to the production of all resources {R™), during a production period r are:

[0114] Circularity Score for a stakeholder: For a stakeholder in, the circularity score, as measured for the current production period (T = current), related to the baseline production period T = baseline), is expressed as a percentage as:

[0115] If the baseline production is considered to consist of completely linear processes, then a circularity score will represent the degree of circularity achieved by the current production. In cases where the baseline production is considered to consist of processes operating at some time in the past, and the current production consists of new processes tha t are operating now, then the circularity score will represent the circularity improvement achieved over the past production. A circularity score of zero will indicate no improvement. A negative circularity score will indicate that the new production is worse than tire past one. A circularity score of 100 can be considered as the upper bound (but most likely unachievable in practice).

[0116] Metrics Balance: Suppose the stakeholder m ships product r in quantity q to another stakeholder h (say an OEM), then each of the KPIs can be allocated (i.e. assumed to be embodied in the resource) in per unit quantity7as:

[0117] Subject to the constraint[01 IS] Quantity of unsold finished products can be assumed as the quantity shipped by m to m.

[0119] Aggregated KPIs in a unit product being shipped: For a unit product of type r produced by a stakeholder m and shipped to stakeholder k, the aggregated embodied KPIs after metrics balance are:

[0120] Such aggregated KPIs can be included on the Circularity Scorecards associated with die products.Metrics Balance Approach and «

[0121] Typical value chains involve multiple stakeholders who collaborate to add value through various processes. These processes can involve adding more resources, transforming existing resources, or splitting resources into multiple units. While some resources like materials persist throughout the chain, others like labor are consumed.

[0122] Alongside resource flows, it’s crucial to track associated Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) throughout the value chain. These KPIs can be considered embedded or embodied within the resources themselves. Stakeholders producing resources may split and transfer them downstream, along with their embodied KPIs. The common practice is to split embodied KPIs proportionally based on resource quantity. However, this approach can be limiting. Downstream customers may have diverse needs. For example, some customers prioritize minimized environmental impact and may be willing to pay more for resources with lower embodied KPIs (such as emissions). Others may prioritize cost-effectiveness and be willing to accept higher embodied KPIs (such as emissions) for lower prices.

[0123] The example implementations involve a metrics balance approach which addresses this challenge by introducing a coefficient a. This coefficient allows stakeholders to decouple the resource quantity' transferred to a stakeholder from the embodied KPIs. A stakeholder providing resources can allocate embodied KPIs to different downstream customers separately from the resource itself However, the sum of embodied KPIs passed downstream must always match the aggregated KPI at the provider level (metrics balance). This flexibility' allows a stakeholder to cater to diverse customer needs without compromising the integrity of KPI tracking.

[0124] In an example, consider a case where a stakeholder X produces resource R in quantity Q and supplies it to stakeholders ¥ and Z. The system tracks three KPIs, GHG emissions, energy and water' consumption. Embodied KPIs in quantity Q are KGH6KEpAand K . . Assume cdu?p&sr'&uye* be the coefficient a associated with KPI K for supply of resource R from supplier to buyer. Let’s say X supplies 75% of Q to Y and 25% of Q io Z.

[0125] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a case in which embodied KPIs are split proportionally, in accordance with an example implementation. This case is referred to herein as Case 1.

[0126] Here

[0127] Which satisfies the constraints:

[0128] Hence Y will receive 75% of each of along “ with 75% of QSimilarly. Z will receive 25% of of each of K_ur. Kcand K , alone with 25% of Q.

[0129] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a case in ■which embodied KPIs are split disproportionately, in accordance with an example implementation. This case is referred to herein as Case 2.

[0130] Suppose Y lias strict emissions targets. Hence, ii cannot absorb all GHG emissions embedded in resource R it is buying from Z. However, Y is willing to pay a higher price for resource R for reduced embodied GHG emissions, and can absorb embodied energy and water. Z on the other hand is looking for a cheaper resource R but is willing to absorb more GHG emissions. After negotiating with Y and Z, X can set coefficients a as:

[0131] Here0.5,

[0132] Which again satisfies the constraints:

[0133] Hence Y will receive 75% of Q of R, but only 50% of embodied KGHG. Y will receive 75% of KEn«gy and Kwater. Z will receive 25% of Q, but 50% of KGHG and 25% of K&ieigy and Kwater. Subsequently, these embodied emissions will carry further downstream. For instance, suppose Y and Z are further processing resource R to create resource R ' . Then R1from Y will have lower inherited embodied KGHG than the R!from Z, even though they may be exactly same and manufactured using exactly same processes.

[0134] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of the metric balance and circularity' score, in accordance with an example implementation. In most use-cases, embodied KPIs will be split proportionally to the quantity supplied. However, die proposed metrics balance approach provides the flexibility of disproportionately splitting the embodied KPIs should the need arise. An example situation can include cases when a particular downstream customer has stricter environmental target than others, has other sources of embodied KPIs that need to be offset , is willing to pay more for a greener product, or has regulatory requirements. In such situations, the appropriate coefficient tt can be set based on negotiations between the buyer and the seller,or proactively by the seller in case the competitive environment necessitates it. The values of a can be set based on available quantity of resource,, total embodied KPIs in it, quantity buyer wants to buy and the embodied KPIs it is willing to absorb (either per unit or in total). Further, a can be separately set for each KPI separately (as illustrated in Case 2 of FIG. 5)

[0135] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a circulatory scorecard, in accordance with an example implementation. Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are gaining traction for tracking product units and carbon footprints, but they fall short in comprehensively assessing circularity. Tracking circularity requires not just recording and tracking GHG emissions, but a more comprehensive set of KPIs encompassing economic, environmental and social metrics. Further, a key aspect of circularity is to establish closed-loops, which means that products and materials need to be tracked beyond end-of-use and end-of-Iife, through their multiple lives.

[0136] Example implementations described herein involve a circularity scorecard, which goes beyond DPP limitations. It provides a holistic approach to circularity as follows.

[0137] Comprehensively tracking product, parts and material genealogy: Unlike DPP, Circularity Scorecard provides a detailed tracking of the origin and journey throughout the lifecycle of every product, its constituent parts, and materials. The genealogy is stored in the Circularity Value-chain KPI platform.

[0138] Capturing a wider range of circularity metrics and KPIs: Circularity Scorecard goes beyond carbon footprint to encompass a comprehensive set of circularity indicators to provide a complete picture of a product's environmental and economic impact.

[0139] Enabling end-to-end traceability1and accountability: Each resource producer and provider is responsible for providing the scorecard per uniquely identified unit of resource. It also provide forward links to whom the resource is being sent. The recipient using the resource provides scorecards for die derived resource that it is producing, and provides backward link to the constituent resource. Confidentiality' is maintained as the scorecards need not be exposed completely to other stakeholders, unless needed. However, they can be exposed to regulatory agencies, auditors and certifying authorities when needed, so that they can verify and audit the claims related to KPIs verify' metric balance.

[0140] Manufacturing busmesses face giowing pressure to meet stricter sustainability reporting requirements and transition to a Circular Economy (CE) model. Hie neededtransformation can be overwhelming. The proposed Circularity KPI assessment solution and platform enables manufacturing companies to ease and accelerate tills transformation. It facilitates executives, managers, and decision-makers across finance, operations, and sustainability functions to measure and optimize their progress towards circularity.

[0141] Transformative outcomes can be achieved through the example implementations described herein as follows

[0142] Broader Sustainability Focus: the proposed example implementations can extend the sustainability agenda beyond the sole focus on energy transition to a comprehensive Circular Economy transition. Economic, environmental, and societal benefits of CE transition efforts can be accurately quantified and strategically pursued.

[0143] Transparency and Standardization: Through a value-chain focus (as opposed to just a single stakeholder), the example implementations bring transparency and consistency in sustainability and CE KPIs. It supports end-to-end tracking, and through a trusted platform and metrics-balance approach helps detect greenwashing.

[0144] Efficient Measurement and Reporting: Example implementations described herein simplifies regular measurement and reporting of progress towards circularity through data and analytics driven trusted platform-based tool. It enhances trust and confidence among stakeholders and customers through consistent and regular reporting.

[0145] Baseline Comparisons and Simulations: Example implementations described herein enables businesses to make baseline comparisons and run simulations based on real-time and historical data. Baseline comparisons allow tracking progress and identify areas for improvement by contrasting current performance with prior established baselines. Scenario planning and what-if analysis allows assessing impact of choosing alternatives, enabling data- driven decisions.

[0146] Actionable insights: Example implementations help generate actionable insights through gap analysis, benchmarking, and Al / analytics-driven recommendations. These insights help identify improvement areas, optimize processes, and accelerate the transformation to a circular business.

[0147] FIG. 8 illustrates a plurality of systems that are networked to a management apparatus, in accordance with an example implementation. One or more systems 821 (e.g., stakeholders, circular value-chain suppliers or vendors, etc.) are communicatively coupled to a network 820 (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN)) through the corresponding network interface of the devices or seivers associated with the systems 821, which is connected to a management apparatus 822. The one or more systems 821 may or may not be associated with sensors, depending on the desired implementation. The management apparatus 822 manages a database 823, which contains the data repository for preprocessed data as well as the trained machine learning models as described herein. In alternate example implementations, the data can be stored in a central repository or central database such as proprietary databases that intake data from the physical systems 821, or systems such as enterprise resource planning systems, and the management apparatus >822 can access or retrieve the data from the central repository or central database.

[0148] FIG. 9 illustrates an example computing environment with an example computer device suitable for use in some example implementations, such as the management apparatus 822 to facilitate the functionality of the systems, such as the circularity scorecard management platform, as described herein. Computer device 905 in computing environment 900 can include one or more processing units, cores, or processors 910, memory 915 (e.g., RAM, ROM, and / or the like), internal storage 920 (e.g., magnetic, optical, solid state storage, and / or organic), and / or I / O interface 925, any of which can be coupled on a communication mechanism or bus 930 for communicating information or embedded in the computer device 905. I / O interface 925 is also configured to receive images from cameras or provide images to projectors or displays, depending on the desired implementation.

[0149] Computer device 905 can be communicatively coupled to input / user interface 935 and output device / interface 940. Either one or both of mput / user interface 935 and output device / mterface 940 can be a wired or wireless interface and can be detachable. Input / user interface 935 may include any device, component, sensor, or interface, physical or virtual, that can be used to provide input (e.g., buttons, touch-screen interface, keyboard, a pointing / cursor control, microphone, camera, braille, motion sensor, optical reader, and / or the like). Output device / mterface 940 may include a display, television, monitor, printer, speaker, braille, or the like. In some example implementations, input / user interface 935 and output device / interface 940 can be embedded with or physically coupled to the computer device 905. In other' exampleimplementations, oilier computer devices may function as or provide the functions of input- user interface 935 and output device / interface 940 for a computer device 905.

[0150] Examples of computer device 905 may include, but are not limited to, highly mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, devices in vehicles and oilier machines, devices carried by humans and animals, and the like), mobile devices (e.g.. tablets, notebooks, laptops, personal computers, portable televisions, radios, and the like), and devices not designed for mobility (e.g., desktop computers, other computers, information kiosks, televisions with one or more processors embedded therein and / or coupled thereto, radios, and the like).

[0151] Computer device 905 can be communicatively coupled (e.g., via I / O interface 925) to external storage 945 and network 950 for communicating with any number of networked components, devices, and systems, including one or more computer devices of the same or different configuration. Computer device 905 or any connected computer device can be functioning as, providing services of, or referred to as a server, client, drin server, general machine, special-purpose machine, or another label.

[0152] I / O interface 925 can include, but is not limited to, wired and / or wireless interfeces using any communication or I / O protocols or standards (e.g., Ethernet, 802.1 lx. Universal System Bus, WiMAX, modem, a cellular network protocol, and the like) for communicating information to and / or from at least all the connected components, devices, and network in computing environment 900. Network 950 can be any network or combination of networks (e.g., the Internet, local area network, wide area network, a telephonic network, a cellular network, satellite network, and the like).

[0153] Computer device 905 can use and / or communicate using computer-usable or computer-readable media, including transitory media and non-transitory media. Transitory media include transmission media (e.g., metal cables, fiber optics), signals, carrier waves, and the like. Non-transitory media include magnetic media (e.g., disks and tapes), optical media (e.g., CD ROM, digital video disks, Blu-ray disks), solid state media (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, solid-state storage), and other non-volatile storage or memory.

[0154] Computer device 905 can be used to implement techniques, methods, applications, processes, or computer-executable instructions in some example computing environments. Computer-executable instructions can be retrieved from transitory media, and stored on and retrieved from non-transitory media. The executable instructions can originate from one ormore of any programming, scripting, and machine languages (e.g., C, C++, C#, Java, VisualBasic, Python, Perl, JavaScript, and others).

[0155] Processors) 910 can execute under any operating system (OS) (not shown), in a native or virtual environment. One or more applications can be deployed that include logic unit 960, application programming interface (API) unit 965, input unit 970, output unit 975. and inter-unit communication mechanism 995 for the different units to communicate with each other, with the OS, and with other applications (not shown). The described units and elements can be varied in design, function, configuration, or implementation and are not limited to the descriptions provided. Processors) 910 can be in the form of hardware processors such as central processing units (CPUs) or in a combination of hardware and software units.

[0156] In some example implementations, when information or an execution instruction is received by API unit 965, it may be communicated to one or more other units (e.g., logic unit 960, input unit 970, output unit 975). In some instances, logic unit 960 may be configured to control the information flow among the units and direct die services provided by API unit 965, input unit 970, output unit 975, in some example implementations described above. For example, tire flow of one or more processes or implementations may be controlled by logic unit 960 alone or in conjunction with API unit 965. The input unit 970 may be configured to obtain input for the calculations described in the example implementations, and the output unit 975 may be configured to provide output based on the calculations described in example implementations.

[0157] Processors) 910 can be configured to execute a method or computer instructions for a circularity scorecard management platform that manages a product lifecycle of a manufactured product participated by a plurality of stakeholders along a circular value chain as illustrated in FIG. 2, each of the plurality of stakeholders intaking upstream resources to produces resources for downstream stakeholders to facilitate the product lifecycle. Such a method or instructions can involve, for a stakeholder from the plurality of stakeholders, receiving a circularity scorecard and embodied key performance indicators (KPIs) per unit of the resources from an upstream one the plurality of stakeholders; intakmg KPIs fr om execution of a manufacturing process that transforms the received resources into subsequent resources conducted by the stakeholder: generating die circularity scorecard per unit of the subsequent resources for the stakeholder fr om tire intake of the KPIs and the embodied KPIs; and utilizing the circularity scorecard of the stakeholder to generate another circularity scorecard for adownstream one of the plurality of stakeholders, and providing an interface to access the circularity scorecard for any of the plurality of stakeholders for the manufactured product for FIG. 2. Through such example implementations, each stakeholder can have access to a circularity scorecard from other stakeholders through an interface, even if the stakeholders silo then’ KPIs. Further, the circularity scorecard can be provided to auditors (e.g., entities requiring a DPP) which takes into account the actions of upstream stakeholders, even if no data is provided to the stakeholder under audit. The circularity scorecard can be accessed by an interface, tor access by die stakeholder, by an auditor, or by other stakeholders that need to understand their upstream or downstream effects.

[0158] Processors) 910 can be configured to execute the method or instructions as described above, wherein the embodied KPIs and the intaken KPIs are environmental. economic and social KPIs depending on the desired implementation. Example economic KPIs can include, but are not limited to, cost, revenue, and so on. Example environmental KPIs can include, but are not limited to, GHG emissions, energy use, water consumption, effluents, wastewater, solid waste, and so on. Example social KPIs can include, but is not limited to, labor hours , ethical labor practices , minimum wages, and so on.

[0159] Processors) 910 can be configured to execute the method or instructions as described above, wherein the circularity scorecard management platform hacks die environmental, economic, and social KPIs across the circular value chain. This can be done, for example, by tracking the circularity scorecards of each stakeholder across the value chain.

[0160] Processors) 910 can be configured to execute the method or instructions as described above, wherein the generating die circularity scorecard involves weighting die embodied KPIs and intaken KPIs to generate weighted KPIs as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0161] Processor! s) 910 can be configured to execute the method or instructions as described above, wherein the weighted KPIs are compared to a baseline manufacturing process to compute the circularity score for a stakeholder as described with respect to Table 3 and FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0162] Processors) 910 can be configured to execute the method or instructions as described above, wherein the utilizing the circularity scorecard of the stakeholder to generate another circularity scorecard for a downstream one of the plurality of stakeholders can include determining a distribution of the intaken KPIs and the embodied KPIs for downstream ones ofthe stakeholders; and distributing the intaken KPIs and embodied KPIs to each of the downstream ones of the stakeholders according to the determined distributions, the determined distribution involving all of the intaken KPIs and the embodied KPIs as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0163] Processors) 910 can be configured to execute the method or instructions as described above, wherein the distribution is computed from a metric balance as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0164] Processor(s) 910 can be configured to execute the method or instructions as described above, and be further configured to facilitate a KPI definition framework to define the KPIs from the plurality of stakeholders, the KPIs defined by one or more of category, type, units, data requirements, frequency of measurement, or weights to be used to compute a circularity score as described herein, hi example implementations, this can be facilitated by the management apparatus 822, or can be in the form of a. user interface provided to the networked device of each of the plurality of stakeholders used to interface with the management apparatus 822, depending on the desired implementation.

[0165] Some port ions of the detailed description are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations within a computer. These algorithmic descriptions and symbolic representations are the means used by those skilled in the data processing arts to convey the essence of their innovations to others skilled in tire art. Au algorithm is a series of defined steps leading to a desired end state or result. In example implementations, the steps carried out require physical manipulations of tangible quantities for achieving a tangible result.

[0166] Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “displaying,” or the like, can include the actions and processes of a computer system or other information processing device that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system’s registers and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system’s memories or registers or other information storage, transmission or display devices.

[0167] Example implementations may also relate to an apparatus for performing the operations herein. This apparatus may be specially constructed for the required purposes, or itmay include one or more general-purpose computers selectively activated or reconfigured by one or more computer programs. Such computer programs may be stored in a computer readable medium, such as a computer readable storage medium or a computer readable signal medium. A computer readable storage medium may involve tangible mediums such as, but not limited to optical disks, magnetic disks, read-only memories, random access memories, solid- state devices, and drives, or any other types of tangible or non-transitory media suitable for storing electronic information. A computer readable signal medium may include mediums such as earner waves. The algorithms and displays presented herein are not inherently related to any particular computer or other apparatus. Computer programs can involve pure software implementations that involve instructions that perform die operations of the desired implementation.

[0168] Various general-purpose systems may be used with programs and modules in accordance with the examples herein, or it may prove convenient to construct a more specialized apparatus to perform desired method steps. In addition, the example implementations are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the example implementations as described herein. The instructions of the programming languages) may be executed by one or more processing devices, e.g., central processing units (CPUs), processors, or controllers.

[0169] As is known in the ait, the operations described above can be performed by hardware, software, or some combination of software and hardware. Various aspects of the example implementations may be implemented using circuits and logic devices (hardware), while other aspects may be implemented using instructions stored on a machine-readable medium (software), which if executed by a processor, would cause the processor to perform a method to cany out implementations of the present application. Further', some example implementations of the present application may be performed solely in hardware, whereas other example implementations may be performed solely in software. Moreover, the various functions described can be performed in a single unit, or can be spread across a number of components in any number of ways. When performed by software, the methods may be executed by a processor, such as a general-purpose computer, based on instructions stored on a computer readable medium. If desired, the instructions can be stored on the medium in a compressed and / or encrypted format.

[0170] Moreover, other implementations of the present application will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the teachings of the present application. Various aspects and / or components of the described example implementations may be used singly or in any combination. It is intended that the specification and example implementations be considered as examples only, with the true scope and spirit of the present application being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method for a circularity scorecard management platform that manages a product lifecycle of a manufactured product participated by a plurality of stakeholders along a circular value chain, each of the plurality of stakeholders intaking upstream resources to produce resources for downstream stakeholders to facilitate the product lifecycle, the method comprising: for a stakeholder from the plurality of stakeholders: receiving a circularity scorecard and embodied key performance indicators (KPIs) per unit of the resources from an upstream one of the plurality of stakeholders; intaking KPIs from execution of a manufacturing process that transforms the received resources into subsequent resources conducted by the stakeholder; generating die circularity scorecard per unit of the subsequent resources for the stakeholder from the intake of die KPIs and die embodied KPIs: and utilizing the circularity scorecard of the stakeholder to generate another circularity scorecard for a downstream one of the plurality of stakeholders: and providing an interface to access the circularity scorecard for any of the plurality of stakeholders for the manufactured product.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the embodied KPIs and the intaken KPIs are environmental, economic and social KPIs.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the circularity scorecard management platform tracks the environmental, economic, and social KPIs across the circular value chain.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the generating the circularity scorecard comprises weighting the embodied KPIs and intaken KPIs to generate weighted KPIs.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the weighted KPIs are compared to a baseline manufecturing process to compute a circularity score for the stakeholder.

6. The method of claim I , wherein tire utilizing the circularity scorecard of the stakeholder to generate another circularity scorecard for a downstream one of the plurality of stakeholders comprises: determining a distribution of the intaken KPIs and the embodied KPIs for downstream ones of the stakeholders: and distributing the intaken KPIs and embodied KPIs to each of the downstream ones of the stakeholders according to the determined distributions, the determined distribution involving all of tire mtakeu KPIs and the embodied KPIs.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the distribution is computed from a metric balance.

8. A non-transitory computer readable medium, storing instructions for a circularity scorecard management platform that manages a product lifecycle of a manufactured product participated by a plurality of stakeholders along a circular value chain, each of the plurality of stakeholders intaking upstream resources to produces resour ces fordownstream stakeholders to facilitate the product lifecycle, the instructions comprising: for a stakeholder from the plurality of stakeholders: receiving a circularity scorecard and embodied key performance indicators (KPIs) per unit of the resources from an upstream one of the plurality of stakeholders: intaking KPIs from execution of a manufacturing process that transforms the received resources into subsequent resources conducted by the stakeholder; generating the circularity scorecard per unit of the subsequent resourc es for the stakeholder fr om the intake of the KPIs and the embodied KPIs; and utilizing the circularity scorecard of the stakeholder to generate another' circularity scorecard for a downstream one of the plurality of stakeholders: and providing an interface to access the circularity scorecard for any of the plurality of stakeholders for the manufactured product.

9. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 8. wherein the embodied KPIs and the intaken KPIs are environmental, economic and social KPIs.

10. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 9, wherein the circularity scorecard management platform tracks the environmental, economic, and social KPIs across the circular value chain.1 i . The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 8, wherein the generating the circularity scorecard comprises weighting the embodied KPIs and intaken KPIs to generate weighted KPIs.

12. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 11, wherein the weighted KPIs are compared to a baseline manufacturing process to compute a circularity score for the stakeholder.

13. The non-transitoiy computer readable medium of claim 8. wherein die utilizing die circularity' scorecard of the stakeholder to generate another circularity scorecard for a downstream one of the plurality of stakeholders comprises: determining a distribution of the intaken KPIs and the embodied KPIs for downstream ones of the stakeholders; and distributing die intaken KPIs and embodied KPIs to each of die downstream ones of the stakeholders according to the determined distributions, the determined distribution involving all of the intaken KPIs and the embodied KPIs.

14. The non-transitory computer readable medium of claim 13, wherein the distribution is computed from a metric balance.

15. A circularity scorecard management platform that manages a product lifecycle of a manufactured product participated by a plurality' of stakeholders along a circular valuechain, each of the plurality of stakeholders mtaking upstream resources to produces resources for downstream stakeholders to facilitate the product lifecycle, comprising: a processor, configured to: for a stakeholder from the plurality of stakeholders: receive a circularity scorecard and embodied key performance indicators (KPIs) per unit of the resources from an upstream one of the plurality of stakeholders; intake KPIs from execution of a manufacturing process that transforms the received resources into subsequent resources conducted by the stakeholder; generate the circularity scorecard per unit of the subsequent resources for the stakeholder from the intake of the KPIs and tire embodied KPIs; and utilize the circularity scorecard of the stakeholder to generate another circularity scorecard for a downstream one of the plurality of stakeholders; and provide an interface to access the circularity scorecard for any of the plurality of stakeholder's for the manufactured product.

16. The circularity scorecard management platform of claim 15, wherein the circularity scorecard management platform is configured to facilitate a KPI definition framework to define the KPIs fr om die plurality7of stakeholders, the KPIs defined by one or more of category, type, units, data requirements, frequency of measurement, or weights to be used to compute a circularity7score.

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