Part 1 - The Circular Economy
The circular economy is a sustainable and innovative economic model that aims to eliminate waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. It is a systemic approach that shifts away from the traditional linear economy, which is based on the ‘take-make-dispose’ model.
In a circular economy, resources are used efficiently and waste is minimized by designing products and systems that enable continuous cycles of reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling. This model not only benefits the environment but also has the potential to unlock new economic opportunities and drive innovation.
The need for a circular economy arises from the increasing demand for resources, the rapid depletion of natural resources, and the environmental impact of human activities. By adopting a circular economy, we can ensure a more sustainable and resilient future for ourselves and generations to come.
Watch the video
Diagram
This is a diagram (produced by the Ellen Macarthur Foundation), shows how renewables and finite materials are used in a circular economy.
Linear Economy vs. Recycling Economy vs. Circular Economy
These three economic models can be distinguished based on their approach to resource use, waste generation, and value creation:
- Linear Economy: The linear economy follows a ‘take-make-dispose’ model, wherein resources are extracted, products are manufactured, and waste is generated at the end of the product’s life. This model leads to high amounts of waste being sent to landfills, resulting in resource depletion and environmental degradation.
- Recycling Economy: A recycling economy focuses on transforming waste into new resources at the end of a product’s life. It aims to reduce waste going to landfills and conserve resources through recycling processes. While this model is a step towards sustainability, it still relies on resource extraction and may result in some loss of material value during recycling.
- Circular Economy: The circular economy is a comprehensive model that addresses the entire lifecycle of products and materials. It minimizes waste generation and resource use by promoting continuous cycles of reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling. The circular economy emphasizes designing for durability, modularity, and reparability, as well as encouraging sharing and leasing models. It also aims to regenerate natural systems, leading to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Use the interactive diagram below which shows the impact of a linear, recycling or circular economy.
Choose a value for the slider, then press the enter key to produce a product.
Additional resources
Below is a list of resources to help you dive deeper into the circular economy and its various aspects:
Ellen MacArthur Foundation: The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a global leader in circular economy research, education, and promotion. Their website offers valuable resources, including reports, case studies, and tools for businesses and policymakers to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. Visit the Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Circle Economy: Circle Economy is a social enterprise that supports organizations in implementing circular strategies through research, tools, and practical solutions. Their Knowledge Hub provides access to articles, reports, and case studies on various topics related to the circular economy. Explore Circle Economy’s Knowledge Hub
Zero Waste Europe: Zero Waste Europe is an organization that advocates for waste reduction and resource management strategies in line with the circular economy. Their website features reports, policy recommendations, and case studies on zero waste solutions and circular economy practices. Learn more about Zero Waste Europe
These resources will provide you with a wealth of information on the circular economy, helping you understand its principles, applications, and best practices across various sectors.