Circular Economy
An economic model that eliminates waste by keeping products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling.
SustainabilityThe circular economy is an alternative to the traditional linear “take-make-dispose” model. It aims to decouple economic growth from the consumption of finite resources by designing out waste and pollution.
Core Principles
- Design out waste and pollution: Products are designed for durability, repairability, and recyclability from the start.
- Keep products and materials in use: Through reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling.
- Regenerate natural systems: Return biological materials safely to the earth to restore ecosystems.
Examples in Practice
- Product-as-a-service: Companies lease products instead of selling them (e.g., lighting-as-a-service).
- Industrial symbiosis: One company’s waste becomes another’s raw material.
- Extended producer responsibility: Manufacturers take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products.
Career Relevance
Circular economy roles include sustainability managers, waste reduction specialists, supply chain analysts, product designers focused on cradle-to-cradle design, and circular economy consultants.