Circular economy introduction

OverviewKey ideasCase studiesGlossary
Circular economy explained
English
  • español
  • português

Get to grips with the fundamentals of circular economy thinking with these bitesize explainers and immersive deep dives. Expand your understanding and explore how the concept can be applied to different parts of the economy.

Explainers

Get the basics on some key concepts related to the circular economy.

Country path with wooden fences and signpost
Article

Schools of thought that inspired the circular economy

The concept of the circular economy has been refined and developed over the years and takes...

  • Circular economy explained
Two hands holding compost
Article

Compostable, biodegradable, and bio-based plastic – what's the difference?

The term compostable is often confused with the terms biodegradable and bio-based.

  • Circular economy explained
  • Plastics
Close up photo of plant in soil
Article

How does the circular economy create value?

Creating value in a circular economy is to harness innovation to grow regenerative businesses.

Photo of waste in landfill
Article

What is the linear economy?

The linear economy, sometimes referred to as the take-make-waste economy, is a system where...

Abstract circle on yellow background
Article

Reusable packaging business models

A shift from single-use packaging to reusables is one of the key tenets of a circular economy for...

Abstract blue circles
Article

Life Cycle Assessment for the circular economy

Life Cycle Assessment, also known as Life Cycle Analysis, (LCA) is a process for evaluating the...

  • Business
  • Design
fruit growing
Article

Regenerative food production

Food is part of nature, and nature is inherently regenerative - it can renew itself. For billions...

  • Food
blue infinity loop on grey background
Article

Eliminate waste and pollution

The first principle of the circular economy is to eliminate waste and pollution....

yellow circle on grey background
Article

Circulate products and materials

The second principle of the circular economy is to circulate products and materials at their...

green circle on grey background
Article

Regenerate nature

By shifting our economy from linear to circular, we shift the focus from extraction to...

Butterfly Diagram Infographic
Learning resource

The butterfly diagram: visualising the circular economy

The 'butterfly diagram' shows the continuous flow of materials in a circular economy.

circle within trees
Article

The biological cycle of the butterfly diagram

This page will explain some of the concepts described in the biological cycle of the butterfly...

circle within trees
Article

The technical cycle of the butterfly diagram

This page will focus on the different stages of the technical cycle and look at how each step...

Deep dives

Dig deeper into broad topics related to the circular economy or get practical advice on transitioning to a circular economy in your company.

Birds eye view of city
Article

Cities and the circular economy

This deep dive explores how applying the principles of the circular economy to urban development...

  • Built environment
  • Cities
Person drawing
Learning resource | Article

Design and the circular economy

This deep dive covers the role of design in creating a circular economy.

Flowing material
Article | Learning resource

Fashion and the circular economy

This deep dive explores how the principles of the circular economy can be applied to the fashion...

  • Fashion
Bag containing carrots
Article | Learning resource

Food and the circular economy

Changing our food system is one of the most impactful things we can do to address climate change,...

Person talking with their hands in a meeting
Learning resource | Article

Make a circular economy pitch in your organisation

Learn how to effectively communicate and present circular economy ideas.

Rows of plastics bottles, some with yellow caps and some without
Article | Learning resource

Plastics and the circular economy

Is it possible to rethink the way we design, use, and reuse plastics to create a circular economy...

abstract image
Learning resource | Article

Systems and the circular economy

How and why systems and systems thinking are so integral to the circular economy concept.

Close up of a red mushroom with white spots
Article | Learning resource

The circular economy in detail

This deep dive explores the nuances of the concept of a circular economy.

Office hallway with a meeting room on the left with glass windows. Inside the meeting room, people are sitting round a desk with laptops.
Article

What can I do within my business?

This deep dive is designed to help you bring circular economy ideas in your organisation.

Our learning opportunities

image of rainbow above sea
Learning resource

Circular Economy: The Big Idea

Delve into the concepts of the circular economy to understand its origin, design, and importance...

Image of africa on green background
Learning resource | Event

Change for Climate: Africa’s Shift to a Circular Economy

A learning resource for 13-18 year olds living in Africa

News and updates from
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Click to subscribe