Education Level and Adoption of Circular Economy in Panipat’s MSMEs

Abstract: A strategic model for sustainable growth must revolve around the procedures that constitute circular economy. This economy emphasizes optimizing resource efficiency, reducing the total waste and closed-loop production methodologies. The economic development in India is highly dependent on growth and output of micro-, small- as well as medium Enterprises (MSMEs), yet the circular economy practices are largely not adopted. This paper explores Panipat’s textile MSMEs regarding investigating the awareness levels and adoption of circular economic practices, relating this with their educational levels. It was seen that the entrepreneurs with higher educational levels tend to have higher awareness levels, as well as willingness to implement such practices. The prediction models adopted for this study showed that the likelihood of resorting to circular economy practices depends not only on education levels but also on firm characteristics. Our study explicitly explains that education is a vital enabler for driving sustainable transitions in MSMEs. Concluding the study, we have recommended that targeted training programs, friendly policy frameworks and collaborative channels can play significant roles in enhancing the acceptability of circular economy practices in small-scale enterprises.

Circular economic practices, Educational attainment, MSMEs

1. Mishra, S., Sahoo, D., & Mohapatra, S. (2025). Circular economy adoption in MSMEs: unveiling enablers and barriers. International Journal of Development Issues, 24(2), 237-263. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Dey, D., Majumder, R. D., Rongmei, L., & Ghosh, D. Circular Economy Practices for Sustainable Development of MSMEs in Cachar District of Assam. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Parmar, H., & Murari, U. K. (2025). A Comparative Analysis of Sustainable Rural Manufacturing: The Integration of Economic, Social, and Environmental Models with Special Reference to Haryana. In Rural Social Entrepreneurship Development: Network-Based Manufacturing System Model (pp. 207-236). IGI Global Scientific Publishing. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Katigbak, J. J. P., & Villaruel, J. J. C. (2023). Assessing the adoption of circular Economy among Women-Led MSMEs in Metro Manila: a pilot study (No. 2023-30). PIDS Discussion Paper Series. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Williams, D., & Bulliard, N. Mapping the India MSME and Academic Landscape of Fashion and Sustainability. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Aggarwal, D., & Rathee, S. (2023). Liaison Amid Business Issues and Stress Experienced by Textile Entrepreneur’s During Pandemic: Substantiates from ‘City of Weavers.’ SEDME (Small Enterprises Development, Management & Extension Journal), 50(1), 53-66. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Das, A., & Swain, P. K. (2025). Sustainability of the Handloom Textile in India: Opportunities, Challenges, and Strategies. TEXTILE, 1-19. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Kaushal, L. A., & Prashar, A. (2021). Agricultural crop residue burning and its environmental impacts and potential causes–case of northwest India. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, 64(3), 464-484. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Pradhan, R. (2025). Sustainability in Supply Chain: A Comparative Study of the Textile Industry in Germany and India. Available at SSRN 5296302. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Pelau, C., & Chinie, A. C. (2018). Econometric model for measuring the impact of the education level of the population on the recycling rate in a circular economy. Amfiteatru Economic, 20(48), 340-355. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Warnants, T. (2024). Supply and Students' views on online international studies in the EU in english at a higher education level related to bioeconomy, renewable energy, and circular economy. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Tiippana-Usvasalo, M., Pajunen, N., & Maria, H. (2023). The role of education in promoting circular economy. International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, 16(1), 92-103. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Kirchherr, J., & Piscicelli, L. (2019). Towards an education for the circular economy (ECE): five teaching principles and a case study. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 150, 104406. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Bugallo-Rodríguez, A., & Vega-Marcote, P. (2020). Circular economy, sustainability, and teacher training in a higher education institution. International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 21(7), 1351-1366. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Advanced Digital Communication Strategies: A Comprehensive Analysis
• Developing an Explainable AI System for Digital Forensics: Enhancing Trust and Transparency in Flagging Events for Legal Evidence
• The Global Impact of Government Censorship on Women’s Access to Information: A Literature Review
• "Reimagining Higher Education Workspaces: A Review on The Transformative Role of Digital Technology Adoption"
• Improved CSP Efficiency: Innovations and Challenges in Thermal Energy Storage Systems