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Circular Economy

The circular economy replaces the linear "take-make-dispose" model by keeping resources in productive use for as long as possible. Waste prevention, reuse, repair, and recycling are its core tools.

Why it matters

Global resource extraction has tripled since 1970 and is now the leading driver of biodiversity loss and material scarcity. The EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and the new waste framework directives are pushing circular business models into the mainstream.

Core principles

  • Design rethink: long-lasting, repairable, modular products.
  • Reuse and repair: second-hand markets, refill systems, repair hubs.
  • Material loops: mono-material shifts, recycled-content quotas.
  • Product-as-a-service: use-based models (rental, subscription) instead of ownership.

Common frameworks

  • Ellen MacArthur Foundation circularity indicators
  • ISO 59020 measuring circularity
  • EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR)
  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) — ISO 14040/44

Related content on this site

See our circular-economy initiatives in Projects and conceptual coverage in the Blog section.