Circular Economy: Approaches and Perspectives of a Variable with a Growing Trend in the Scientific World—A Systematic Review of the Last 5 Years

The circular economy has become a topic of increasing relevance in the scientific field, and the literature on it has developed considerably in recent years. Therefore, a review is needed to contribute to the understanding of this term, which is under constant debate. This article aims to analyze scientific articles from qualitative and quantitative research approaches on the circular economy. The methodology used was a systematic review of scientific literature from Scopus and Web of Science; 67 scientific articles were systematized under inclusion and exclusion criteria related to the specific objectives sought. The results showed that there is still a long way to go in developing a theoretical framework that can be put into practice due to the divergence of existing perspectives or approaches, although its application to different fields of study is being considered. Likewise, its complex character is highlighted, while driving or limiting factors are observed. This research provides a theoretical contribution aimed at elucidating which implications of the circular economy need to be addressed in order to build a universal or flexible theory to understand what it means to plan for the implementation of the circular economy. In this way, it hopes to strengthen its practical application, which implies the need to create an overarching framework that can be adapted to different contexts and provide clear guidance on how to be part of the circular economy.