Inhibitors to circular economy practices in the leather industry using an integrated approach: Implications for sustainable development goals in emerging economies

Abstract Circular economy practices are considered an important initiative in achieving sustainable development goals; however, studies synergizing circular economy and sustainable development goals are limited. The leather industry, widely criticized for its adverse environmental impacts, has the strong potential to implement circular economy practices. Further, the leather industry is considered a foundational source for economically marginalized sectors and it is a major economic contributor to emerging economies. Thus, the leather industry plays a significant role in attaining sustainable development goals. Hence, a study on circular economy practices considering the leather industry is of significant importance. This paper proposes a methodological framework for evaluating the inhibitors to circular economy practices in the leather industry. For identifying the critical inhibitors to circular economy practices, this study uses a systematic literature review and identifies twenty-five inhibitors. A hybrid multi-criteria decision-making method combining the grey-decision making trial and evaluation laboratory with fuzzy complex proportional assessment method is employed for evaluating the inhibitors to circular economy practices. The findings of the study reveal that the uncertainty of consumer demand, lack of social awareness, stakeholders with short-term agendas, a lack of technologies and technical skills, and challenges in the safe return of waste to the biosphere are the five most influential inhibitors in circular economy practices. These findings can assist the industrial community and governmental agencies in formulating the required strategies to implement circular economy practices in the leather industry.