Circular Economy Model
Unlike the traditional linear economy (take → make → dispose), a circular economy follows three principles defined by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation:
- Eliminate waste and pollution — Design out waste from the start
- Circulate products and materials — Keep items in use through repair, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling
- Regenerate nature — Return biological materials to the earth safely
Economic Impact
The circular economy represents a $4.5 trillion economic opportunity by 2030 (Accenture, 2024). It can reduce global GHG emissions by 39% while creating millions of new jobs in repair, refurbishment, and recycling.