A circular economy is an economic system which decouples growth from negative externalities by building on the following three key circular economy principles:
With a gradual implementation of the above stated circular principles, economic paradigms (efficient use of scarce resources, cost savings and profitability) are combined with societal values (equal society, societal well-being) and the objective of sustaining natural capital.
The circular economy can be considered a sustainable economic system. Because if it is implemented correctly, it multi-solves pressing issues at an economical, societal, and natural level. It is arguably the solution to the following question: How do we achieve a green and sustainable economy? And why should we?
The circular economy is hugely beneficial: waste prevention, eco-design and re-use could save up to €600 billion annually (across the EU), while also reducing annual greenhouse gas emissions by up to 4%.
A more circular economy thereby relieves pressure on the environment, secures the continuous supply of raw materials, fosters innovation, and boosts economic growth by creating up to 580 000 jobs in the EU alone.
Also the consumer would benefit by receiving overall more durable and innovative products that last longer.
If the economic theory behind the circular economy is so promising, one might wonder why it hasn’t been set in place yet?
A perfectly circular economy will most probably remain a utopian concept because there is a certain level of waste in almost every process. Currently, our global economy is 8,6% circular, according to the Circularity Gap report.
However, there is room for optimism, given the opportunities a circular economy comprises. A realistic scenario would be a gradual development of several sectors towards an economic system, which operates partially or mainly under circular principles.
There are six major circular economy schools of thought:
From a business perspective, a company can implement different circular strategies to achieve high levels of circularity.
The field “circular economy” is relatively new and literature, as well as business models, are developing quickly. Many of the concepts are, however, not new at all. Think for example about replanting, repairing and reusing, which people did already 100 years ago.
Even though many of the concepts aren’t new in themselves, the scope of the circular economy (system thinking) and the hope to create real sustainable economic development is what drives the current progress.
The circular economy is oftentimes visualized in a butterfly diagram with two wings which represent two loops: the biological loop and the technical loop. The biological loops contain cycles of biodegradable resources, which can naturally regenerate. The technical loops contain cycles of manufactured materials which can only be reused, repaired, remanufactured, or recycled.
Now you know everything about the circular economy. However, experiencing a circular economy will add a lot of value in learning about this topic. Inchainge has developed a circular strategy simulation to provide a realistic, yet safe environment where you can get insights into the transition to a circular business strategy.
In the Blue Connection, participating teams can explore which strategies there are and what decisions are needed to implement those strategies. Furthermore, teams will learn how those decisions eventually impact the company and its stakeholders.
Inchainge aims to make professionals and students experience and try out the different business strategies. In a team they have to take the right decisions to leverage the opportunities and overcome the challenges. The result of a coherent and aligned circular strategy is not only a positive effect for nature, society or business, but a combination of all three!
Besides experiential learning in our business games, you can learn more in our articles about topics such as the logistic footprint.