Circularity Readiness Assessment of Product Value Chain in the Aerospace Industry

Abstract

This thesis presents the development of a circularity readiness assessment tool tailored to the value chain of the aerospace industry. The tool, named ENGREEN CRA, helps companies identify gaps, assess improvement areas, and promote collaboration across the value chain. "Circularity readiness of the value chain" is defined as the psychological and structural preparedness of a company’s value chain to adopt circular economy principles. A comprehensive review of 30 existing tools led to the identification of eight critical areas that shaped the framework, with a focus on scope, interface, and objectives. Furthermore, two essential dimensions: “Regulatory & Compliance Readiness” and “Performance Measurement" were recognised through an analysis of the context in one of the case companies. The tool underwent validation through expert interviews and was tested in two case companies: GKN Aerospace and SAAB AB. This test included individual and group assessments, revealing insights on the usability and effectiveness of the tool in supporting organisational reflection. The tool enables internal evaluations without requiring sensitive data and can be used to map readiness between value chain partners. The results highlighted “Organisational Readiness” as a key enabler and identified weak areas in “Procurement and Supply Chain”. The tool offers a practical platform to support strategic alignment and collaboration in the circularity transition of the aerospace sector.