Circular Economy

Circular Economy and Sustainability

In this paper, I outline the scope and the potential of a ‘circular economy’ in the future, one which goes beyond a concentration on recycling and waste management. I argue that three key elements are paramount. The first, and most widely discussed, is its ‘circularity by design’ characteristics. Secondly, but rarely discussed, the intimate relationship between the materials cycle and money and finance systems. Thirdly, encompassing both but often ignored: the way in which a more holistic interpretation of the concept is attached to a worldview or ‘framework for thinking’. This last element is a perspective that understands the economy as less like a machine and more like a nested living system. This worldview includes a stock maintenance emphasis placed in relation to feedback-rich flows. It extends, ineluctably, to the regeneration of natural capital and the restoration of social capital. A systems perspective includes a renewed focus on creating a refreshed industrial or producti...

2017

Global stability is at risk due to the present extreme climatic events, social problems, and profound crisis on economic pillars. Aiming to promote well-being and justice, the academia proposes diverse actions and alternatives which can mitigate present and future problems. One of this alternatives is the substitution of the current linear economic model for a circular one, exchanging the loss of resources for the maximum exploitation of them. To absorb and conduct a better perception about this new concept, this paper proposes a brief literature review which can serve as a base for future studies, and that way help in the comprehension and better absorption of the opportunities circular economy can propose. In the same way this article shows the obstacles and challenges for the implementation of the concept, as well as solutions for future problems. KEY-WORDS: Circular Economy; Sustainable Development; Strategic Management of Resources

2020

Circular economy business models essentially fall into two main groups: (1) models focused on reorienting traditional business, and (2) models that involve creating a new business specifically aimed at recovering resources. The timing and ways of transforming an old business into a circular one could find useful drivers in a systemic approach that involves policy makers and legislators to implement effective regulations and incentives, the financial sector, public authorities and civil society. By converse, big global corporations often develop circular economy within a company’s network. From this perspective, some companies are specifically oriented towards recycling, while other companies belonging to the same group use raw materials obtained from recycling, thus gaining an extensive competitive advantage for all the network’s companies (competitive circular economy).

Sprawy Międzynarodowe, 2021

This article presents the idea of a circular economy (CE) as a practical implementation of postulates of the sustainable development of the economy. The focus is on the current situation of the use of natural resources and their capacity to meet global needs. The article has a theoretical character, enriched by presenting up-to-date statistical data concerning the use of natural resources. The main thesis of the article assumes that the CE model appears to be a proper solution for achieving sustainable development aims as it links environmental aspects with economic challenges. The aim of this article is to show the relationship between the increasing usage of natural resources and the need to save them through implementation of this complex solution. The results of the preliminary analysis indicate that the use of natural resources, corresponding to the level of global consumption, is still increasing and could threaten the possibility of meeting the needs of future generations.

Thunderbird International Business Review, 2017

This article proposes a revised definition of the circular economy after having analyzed and compared the most prominent related concepts. Based on an analysis of academic literature, defining characteristics of different concepts are identified to structure the field of research. The comparison of concepts serves as a basis for the synthesis: a revised definition of the circular economy. While most concepts overlap, they emphasize different issues. Our classification helps to distinguish how concepts are situated in dimensions such as industry/service oriented, efficiency/zero waste target, or micro/macro scope. The revised definition distinguishes between core characteristics of a circular economy and framing conditions enabling its implementation. It has the potential to support both researchers and practitioners to develop clearer guidelines for the path to a circular economy.

What is a circular economy, what are some of the key principles, concepts and building blocks and what system shifts might be needed to bring it about at scale? Abstract Consumerism as the global economic model raises some troubling questions. Can we continue to extract, produce and consume exponentially within a finite planet? Commodities prices evolution, consumption forecast, resource extraction and replacement data suggest otherwise (Webster, 2011; Ellen MacArthur Foundation et al. 2014). Our current economic system appears to have reached its limits. A new economic framework is needed. This essay will summarize a circular economy framework, identify its main principles and building blocks to finally assess the necessary system shifts for this model to scale. Let us firstly look at our current mainstream economic system before describing a circular economy framework. The current economic system is a closed system based on an extractive model. Figure one below illustrates this throughput structure powered mainly by finite energy resources. The system extracts and transforms natural resources into products discarded at the end of their life cycle. Figure 1. (source Ellen Mac Arthur Foundation) This closed, linear system framework powered by finite fossil fuels resources assumes inextinguishable material resources. Such an outdated understanding of the natural world is based on the 18 th century enlightenment period worldview. It comprehends natural systems through a mechanistic approach under the nature as machine framework (Webster 2013). In contrast, a circular economy rest on the modern scientific understanding of the natural world. A circular economy concept derives from a systemic, system thinking approach that considers natural systems as complex, open, diverse, resilient and optimised. (De Rosnay 1979; Dixon 2011). A circular economy is not a better, more efficient, more sustainable iteration of a linear economy, it is an economic framework inspired by natural systems, intentionally restorative of natural and social capital and powered by renewable energy sources. This diverse, resilient economic system is rich in feedback loops with flows of resources and materials optimised through multiple regenerative cycles. Figure two compares the linear and circular approaches. The linear model extracts, transforms and discards mixed materials through a unidirectional path. This model is opposed to a circular approach that presents two separate material flows cycling continuously.

The objective of this book is to help PhD students, master's students, undergraduate students, and researchers in defining research needs and techniques. This book offers Research Ideas in addition to a full list of the acronyms, analyses, techniques, and other words used in the 6016 journals linked to Circular Economy. Students will get acquainted with the most utilised techniques, analyses, and models in this area of study by reading the list of tables in this book. Therefore, numerous research hurdles have been addressed, including identifying research gaps and generating a research methodology. This book is meant for researchers in Circular Economy but is not restricted to them solely. This book is beneficial to everyone. GUIDELINES TO USE THIS BOOK As you can notice, this book contains only Tables that lists all the names of abbreviations, analysis, behaviour etc that are mentioned in all 6016 journals that are mentioned in references section. The purpose of the lists is to help identify the most occurrence names mentioned in those journals. This book gathers findings from hundreds of journals connected to the subject matter to help students find their research gaps and research methodologies easier. Students are urged to utilise this book to determine which research gaps and methodologies are appropriate for their research. Your choice should be discussed with your research supervisor.