The transition towards circular economy and waste within accounting and accountability models: a systematic literature review and conceptual framework

A transition towards a circular economy is a challenge. It is vital to know that circularity and sustainability are two different segments. So, circular economy can only be achieved in the long-term perspective. This study investigates accounting and accountability for circular economy and waste. Considering these principles and based on a critical review of the literature, economic gains from the transition toward a circular economy are measurable; the problems for corporations and governments are diverse; the way to handle the stakeholders who are losing control in the circular economy is considerable. Diffusion of innovation theory is used to conduct this study. It is essential that an organisational design built should help implement the circular model. Targeted questions responded by adopting a systematic literature review approach by applying PRISMA protocol. This study examines 78 publications in English between 2012 and 2021, which present a map of the circular economy-related knowledge published in web of science and Scopus. Besides, this study includes 03 European Commission reports, 01 Ellen Macarthur Foundation report, 01 Council for the Environment and Infrastructure report, 01 report from SUN IZA, 01 UN Global Compact and 01 the Brundtland Commission report. The results highlight how circular economy, waste management, sustainability, accountability, and management accounting practices help to develop an ecosystem and achieve sustainable development goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.