<p>In our current economy, we use a linear process where we take materials from the Earth, make products from them, and eventually throw them away as waste.</p><p><br></p><p>In a circular economy, we stop producing waste by transitioning to renewable energy and materials. The resilient system is good for business, people and the environment.</p>

Circular economy

<p>The circular economy is a systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution.</p><p><br></p><p>It is based on three principles, driven by design:</p><ol><li>Eliminate waste and pollution</li><li>Circulate products and materials at their highest value</li><li>Regenerate nature</li></ol>

Three principles of a circular economy

<p>In our current economy, we take materials from the Earth, make products from them, and eventually throw them away as waste – the process is linear. In a circular economy, by contrast, we stop waste being produced in the first place.</p><p>It is underpinned by a transition to renewable energy and materials. A circular economy decouples economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. It is a resilient system that is good for business, people and the environment.</p><p>The circular economy is a systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. </p><div class="embed-placeholder" data-type="youtube" data-id="NBEvJwTxs4w"></div><p>We must transform every element of our take-make-waste system: how we manage resources, how we make and use products, and what we do with the materials afterwards. Only then can we create a thriving circular economy that can benefit everyone within the limits of our planet. </p><h2>A way to transform our system</h2><p>What will it take to transform our throwaway economy into one where waste is eliminated, resources are circulated, and nature is regenerated?</p><p>The circular economy gives us the tools to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss together, while addressing important social needs.</p><p>It gives us the power to grow prosperity, jobs, and resilience while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and pollution.</p><h2>How the circular economy works</h2><p>Get the basics or explore the circular economy in detail.</p><img src="https://images.ctfassets.net/isq5xwjfoz2m/1bTiWBFcRENs2gJzBum7kF/fb9b3d082d6a3bb72b586d73dfe0f7e2/Butterfly_Diagram_Website.jpg?fm=png&amp;w=646&amp;h=584&amp;fit=fill&amp;q=100&amp;f=center" alt="" width="323" height="292"><UL><LI><h3 data-testid="6325475c-efde-56f4-9dd7-1d3fa1cebd87" data-gtm-id="circular-examples-tab-0">Apeel</h3></LI><LI><h3 data-testid="a152a351-9ca4-5eea-a8fb-f5ac9704708a" data-gtm-id="circular-examples-tab-1">thredUP</h3></LI><LI><h3 data-testid="0eda27c0-6acc-5cfc-bf61-f61d2780ee1e" data-gtm-id="circular-examples-tab-2">Natura Brazil</h3></LI></UL><p>Working with nature to make food last longer</p><p>Apeel is a company that has come up with an innovative way to eliminate single-use shrink wrap plastic packaging on fresh fruit and veg, while at the same time tackling food waste. </p><p>Apeel is a layer of edible, plant-based coating applied to fresh products that mimics and enhances the natural defences of fruit and vegetables. This slows down the two main things that cause spoilage – water loss and oxidation.</p>

Definition and principles of a circular economy. Find out why it's much more than recycling, how companies are making circular economy products and dig deeper with diagrams, circular economy examples and videos.

scienceandnature

Science & Nature

<p>In our current economy, we take materials from the Earth, make products from them, and eventually throw them away as waste – the process is linear. In a circular economy, by contrast, we stop waste being produced in the first place. </p>

<p>It is underpinned by a transition to renewable energy and materials. A circular economy decouples economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. It is a resilient system that is good for business, people and the environment. </p>

<p>The circular economy is a systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. </p>

<p>We must transform every element of our take-make-waste system: how we manage resources, how we make and use products, and what we do with the materials afterwards. Only then can we create a thriving circular economy that can benefit everyone within the limits of our planet. </p>

<p>What will it take to transform our throwaway economy into one where waste is eliminated, resources are circulated, and nature is regenerated? </p>

<p>The circular economy gives us the tools to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss together, while addressing important social needs. </p>

<p>It gives us the power to grow prosperity, jobs, and resilience while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and pollution. </p>

<p>Get the basics or explore the circular economy in detail. </p>

<ul><li><h3>Apeel </h3> </li><li><h3>thredUP </h3> </li><li><h3>Natura Brazil </h3> </li> </ul>

<p>Working with nature to make food last longer </p>

<p>Apeel is a company that has come up with an innovative way to eliminate single-use shrink wrap plastic packaging on fresh fruit and veg, while at the same time tackling food waste. </p>

<p>Apeel is a layer of edible, plant-based coating applied to fresh products that mimics and enhances the natural defences of fruit and vegetables. This slows down the two main things that cause spoilage – water loss and oxidation. </p>

What is a circular economy?

Circular economy

Three principles of a circular economy

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