Circular economy definition
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Circular Economy Concept: Core Definition and Key Elements
The circular economy is widely understood as an economic model that aims to move away from the traditional linear approach of "take, make, dispose" and instead focuses on extending product life cycles, reducing waste, and maximizing the value of resources through strategies such as reducing, reusing, and recycling materials Maksymiv2024Kirchherr2017Alhawari2021+4 MORE. This model emphasizes the creation of sustainable business processes and economic relationships that operate within planetary boundaries, involving businesses, governments, and individuals as key stakeholders Maksymiv2024Alhawari2021Murray2015+1 MORE.
Circular Economy Principles: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Beyond
Most definitions of the circular economy highlight the importance of the "3Rs": reduce, reuse, and recycle. These activities are central to the concept, but some research points out that a true circular economy requires a broader, systemic shift in how resources are managed and how economic activities are designed Kirchherr2017Alhawari2021Murray2015+2 MORE. This includes circularity by design, where products and processes are planned from the outset to minimize waste and facilitate resource recovery .
Systemic and Holistic Approach in Circular Economy
A key feature of the circular economy is its holistic and systemic approach, which considers the entire value chain and the interdependence of economic, environmental, and social systems Murray2015Webster2021Vogiantzi2023. The model seeks to maximize ecosystem functioning and human well-being by integrating planning, resourcing, procurement, production, and reprocessing as both processes and outputs Murray2015Vogiantzi2023. It also involves the restoration of natural capital and, to a lesser extent, the regeneration of resources, although the latter is less clearly defined in practice Webster2021Morseletto2020.
Social, Economic, and Environmental Dimensions
While the circular economy is often linked to economic prosperity and environmental quality, its social dimension—such as social equity and benefits for future generations—is less frequently emphasized in existing definitions Kirchherr2017Murray2015Korhonen2017. Some research calls for a stronger focus on social responsibility and the involvement of all stakeholders, including communities and consumers, to ensure the circular economy contributes to sustainable development Maksymiv2024Alhawari2021Murray2015.
Challenges and Evolving Definitions
The concept of the circular economy is still evolving, with varying definitions and interpretations across academic, policy, and business contexts Kirchherr2017Geisendorf2018Korhonen2017. Some researchers describe it as an "essentially contested concept," meaning that its meaning and application are still debated and refined . There are also challenges in implementing circular economy principles globally, especially regarding the management of hazardous materials and the uneven distribution of risks and benefits .
Conclusion
In summary, the circular economy is an economic model focused on reducing waste, extending product life cycles, and maximizing resource value through systemic, sustainable, and often collaborative approaches. While the core principles are widely agreed upon, the concept continues to evolve, with ongoing debates about its social, environmental, and economic dimensions and the best ways to implement it in practice Maksymiv2024Kirchherr2017Alhawari2021+7 MORE.
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