Chapter 3
A Growing Demand for a Circular Economy
IN THIS CHAPTER
Evaluating the surging need for circular economy solutions
Understanding the various drivers for this rapid change
Getting to know the environmental precedents for the circular economy
A recent report by the business consultant group Circle Economy (www.circle-economy.com) states that the current global economy is around 9 percent circular. This figure was calculated based on the share of recycled/reused materials balanced against all of the material inputs into the global economy. Clearly, humans have a long way to go if they want to achieve a true circular economy.
The current linear economy is locked into a system that depends on the take-make-waste approach to production. The limitations of this approach are starting to be reached as we fully understand the environmental, economic, and social impacts this linear way of thinking brings. This lock that the linear economy holds over us is starting to weaken.
Circularity, and the demand for a true circular economy, is starting to gain traction. It has moved beyond being merely an attractive concept and into mainstream business planning for companies around the world. ...
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