The concept of circularity and the circular economy represents a transformative shift in how societies produce, consume, and manage resources. Unlike the traditional linear economy, which follows a take, make, dispose model, the circular economy is designed to minimise waste and make the most of resources. By keeping materials in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value from them, and recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of their lifecycle, circularity offers a sustainable alternative to resource-intensive practices.
Despite increased awareness, global circularity has declined from 9.1% in 2018 to just 7.2% in 2023. Over the past six years, the world consumed over half a trillion tonnes of materials, nearly matching the consumption of the entire 20th century. This has contributed to breaching six of nine planetary boundaries, including climate change and biodiversity loss, emphasising the urgency of transitioning to sustainable systems.
