Authors: Julian Kirchhe, Denise Reike and Marko Hekkert
Date of publish:
Why did we select this research?
The circular economy is most frequently depicted as a combination of reduce, reuse and recycle activities, whereas it is oftentimes not highlighted that circular economy necessitates a systemic shift. We further find that the definitions show few explicit linkages of the circular economy concept to sustainable development.
Key findings:
- The circular economy replaces the ‘end-of-life ’ concept with reducing, alternatively reusing, recycling and recovering materials in production/distribution and consumption processes. It operates at three different levels (micro level: products, companies, consumers; meso level: eco-industrial parks; and macro level: city, region, nation and beyond). The aim to accomplish sustainable development, thus simultaneously creating environmental quality, economic prosperity and social equity, to the bene fit of current and future generations.
- The circular economy must be understood as a fundamental systemic change instead of a bit of twisting of the status quo to ensure its impact.
- More research on the consumer perspective could help to highlight pathways to enhance their contribution to circular economy.
Reference:
Kirchherr, J., Reike, D., & Hekkert, M. (2017). Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 127, 221-232.
