Dimensions of Circular Economy Implementation in Albanian Companies: An Empirical Study by Enterprise Size

Abstract

Albanian companies implement Circular Economy (CE) practices in their operations but the impact on their performance remains unknown. Researchers gathered information through a 32-question survey which participants used a Likert scale to rate their responses. The obtained data reached excellent reliability according to the analysis (Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.971). The research analysis transformed the CE items into two main factors: Internal CE Practices and Circular Recovery & Impact which accounted for 75.32% of total variance. The statistical analysis through ANOVA and Tukey HSD tests proved that internal CE practices varied significantly between company sizes because micro and medium enterprises performed better than small businesses. However, no significant differences were found for Circular Recovery & Impact. According to the study, small businesses encounter more obstacles when they try to put CE strategies into effect. The research results present essential knowledge to policymakers and sustainability professionals who need to develop specific support programs for small companies that will boost CE implementation in Albanian business operations for sustainable growth.