Overview
The circular economy is a systemic approach to economic development designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment. It moves away from the traditional linear 'take-make-dispose' model toward keeping resources in use for as long as possible. Key strategies include designing for durability and recyclability, product-as-a-service models, industrial symbiosis, and advanced recycling technologies. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates the circular economy represents a $4.5 trillion opportunity globally.
Tags
waste reductionrecyclingproduct designresource efficiency
Economic Impact
High Impact
$4.5T global opportunity, reducing material costs and creating new business models across industries.
Emerged
2012
Related Topics
Materials
Biodegradable Packaging
Packaging materials designed to decompose naturally in the environment.
Policy
Extended Producer Responsibility
Policy making manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products.
Technology
Biomimicry in Design
Designing products and systems inspired by nature's time-tested patterns.