Circular economy
The CircleUp project is strongly committed to the circular economy. We’re a CCRI project (Circular Cities and Regions Initiative – the EU’s circular economy network).
The typical models of a linear and circular economy. In reality, this model of a circular economy is impossible.
What is the circular economy?
The term "circular economy" (CE) is widely used, but its meaning can vary significantly depending on the context. There is currently no single, universally agreed-upon definition among scholars, policymakers, or practitioners. Instead, the circular economy is best understood as a broad and evolving concept that encompasses a variety of principles, goals, and strategies.
A commonly referenced source is the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which defines the circular economy as:
“A system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting. The circular economy tackles climate change and other global challenges, like biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution, by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.”
This definition highlights the systemic nature of the circular economy and its potential to address both environmental and economic challenges by keeping resources in use for as long as possible.
However, recent academic work, such as a comprehensive study by Kirchherr et al. (2023), illustrates the lack of consensus around what the circular economy actually entails. By reviewing 221 definitions across academic, policy, and industry contexts, the authors found that no single aim or concept appeared in more than half of the definitions. Core themes such as sustainability, waste reduction, economic growth, and social equity were inconsistently referenced—sometimes even in contradictory ways.
Despite this variability, some common elements can be identified across most definitions:
- Reducing the use of virgin resources
- Minimising waste and environmental impact
- Extending the lifecycle of products and materials through reuse, repair, and recycling
- Encouraging systemic and regenerative approaches to production and consumption
Importantly, the study notes that newer definitions are increasingly integrating sustainability, systems thinking, and social value, reflecting the growing complexity and ambition of circular economy strategies.
The diversity of definitions presents both opportunities and challenges. While it allows for flexibility and adaptation to different sectors and regions, it can also create confusion and inhibit coordinated policy and business action. As such, many scholars argue for the development of more standardised conceptual frameworks to support clearer implementation and impact measurement.
In summary, the circular economy is not defined by a single formula, but rather by a set of evolving principles aimed at rethinking the way we design, use, and value materials and resources in society.
The "messy lines" which better summarise many of the proposed components of a circular economy.