Background: Linear supply chains characterized by a “take-make-dispose” model, have led to crossed six out of nine established planetary boundaries, which are biophysical system limits of planet Earth. Therefore, a transition towards circular supply chains is imperative, highlighting the systemic embedded perspective as a core concept that provides especial attention to interconnectivity within the broader social, economic and environmental dimension. However, surprising demand spikes for Critical Raw Materials in the EU, are heavily challenging this transition, in particular considering the high dependency on imports for these materials. By one side, there are strong forces aiming to achieve net zero; on the other hand, reaching it can seriously compromise natural resources. In consequence, Secondary Raw Materials appear as a sustainable alternative to mitigate supply chain risks and promoting recycling and material recovery processes within metal industries.

Purpose: This study explores what are the critical conditions for fostering the integration of secondary raw materials into circular supply chains in Sweden within metal industries. The objective is to identify what are the challenges, what are the drivers and how are they affecting the supply chain design.

Method: This research is based on a qualitative study following an inductive approach. It was conducted an exploratory embedded multiple case study, that analyze and contrast supply chains between The Netherlands, Germany and Sweden. The study consists of 10 semi-structured interviews, 6 with waste management companies and 4 with ad-hoc experts within the field.

Conclusion: Based in our findings, it was identified that legislation, innovation & technology, collaboration, commitment & engagement, and supply chain design, play a key role as challenges and drivers in metal industries when integrating SRM into circular supply chains. These factors allowed us to propose the “Enabler model for SRM integration into supply chains”, which is based in the interconnection between a Circular Ecosystem and a Circular Strategy, in order to enable the creation of critical conditions fostering SRM integration into circular supply chains within metal industries, in particular for those dealing with CRM.