Circular supply chain management: a bibliometric analysis-based literature review

Purpose Supply chain management (SCM) research has contributed to the transition a circular economy (CE). Still, confusions exist on related terms, and no review mapped out development trends in domain. This clarifies boundaries of relevant concepts. Then, it conducts comprehensive SCM (CSCM) literature identifies opportunities for future research. Design/methodology/approach Using keywords, 1,130 journal articles published December 31, 2021 were identified. Unlike reviews, which mainly relied content analysis, this uses bibliometric analysis tools, including citation co-citation cluster analysis. The general trends, influential researchers, high-impact publications, patterns established emergent themes. Findings extant CSCM includes five prominent clusters: (1) reverse channel optimization; (2) empirical studies; (3) closed-loop supply (CLSC) consumers; (4) CLSC inventory (5) logistics (RL). Significant gaps use secondary longitudinal data, wider range theories, mixed-methods, multi-method, action behavioral experiment. least researched topics include zero waste, industrial symbiosis, product design, sourcing reuse. Originality/value is first analysis-based CSCM. It interrelated sustainability terms thus reduces confusion. offers insights into suggests important directions.