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The circular economy supports sustainability by enabling economic growth without greater resource use. Learn how it works.
Circular Economy
What if “waste” could be a resource?
That’s the vision of the “Circular Economy.” It’s a model where resources are recovered and reused and waste is reduced.
This approach creates environmental and economic value. There are opportunities for innovation, with byproducts and other materials that can be used for high value applications.
Sustainability isn’t automatic with the circular economy, notes NBS Director Jury Gualandris. But when circular products and processes are properly configured, they can “avoid waste disposal, reduce extraction of new material, and improve economic efficiency.”
The circular economy can happen at many levels: within a single company, across businesses, and across cities and countries. No matter which level you’re operating at, NBS can help you on the journey, with models, examples, and strategic tips.
NBS has published many resources about the Circular Economy. This page aims to help you navigate them by connecting articles to key questions – taking you on a knowledge journey through the circular economy.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, try the search bar, resource library, or contacting NBS.
Table of Contents
What is a Circular Economy?
Delve into the core principles of a circular economy and how it operates. Gain insights into circular business models and the importance of focusing on waste.
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Current approaches to business — and business sustainability — are not working. Companies need a business model focused not only on profits, but also on waste.
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Companies have choices when they enter the circular economy. Learn which business models make economic and environmental sense.
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Companies can engage with the circular economy in four different ways. Here’s how to make your choice.
Advancing a Circular Economy Amid Challenges
Discover strategies to accelerate the circular economy and overcome associated challenges. Explore methods to make circular practices profitable and the critical role of sustainable procurement.
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Creating a circular economy requires involvement from businesses, the public sector, and researchers. Canada’s “Our Food Future” provides a model.
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It sounds simple — one business’s waste becomes another’s input. But the reality is challenging. Three case studies provide best practices.
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If organizations built sustainability into purchasing, they could transform markets. This podcast describes how to realize that potential.
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You can do a state-of-the-art analysis efficiently and effectively. Focus on only some materials, and use available data.
Circular Economy Business Models in Action
Uncover real-world examples and case studies that showcase successful circular practices in action.
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The circular economy takes a special form in low-income settings. It’s driven by individuals and emphasizes labour and resourcefulness over technological solutions. Its implementation has lessons for everyone.
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“Mom’s Store Nepal” enables reuse of baby clothes. It’s a business model that supports families, the circular economy, and sustainability awareness.
Circular Economy and Food Systems
Food systems are a critical part of a circular economy. Gain insights on innovative solutions and approaches to addressing food waste within the circular economy framework.
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The circular economy could reduce food waste and make agrifood more sustainable. But solutions aren’t automatic.
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The future of food means thinking differently. When manufacturers change their mindset, they can prevent waste and save money. Here’s what 50 companies show.
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Food waste is an ethical and an environmental problem. It’s also a business opportunity, ready for innovative solutions.
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The magnitude of the food waste problem presents significant opportunities for business.
Circular Economy and Supply Chains
Supply chains are full of opportunities to reduce waste and collaborate to share resources. Examine ways to implement circularity into your businesses’ supply chains.
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The circular economy offers potential, but metrics are still evolving. We identify core measures and remaining questions.
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As climate change hits global supply chains, supply chain researchers aren’t providing the guidance needed. Leading scholars identify how that can change.
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Product returns are more than a cost – they are an opportunity to grow the bottom line. Here's how business can build reverse supply chains.
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All Circular Economy Resources
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The “Degrowth” and “Post-Growth” movements imagine a world with new goals beyond profit. What does this mean for business?
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African countries can thrive amidst climate change. But the international community needs to support a Just Transition. Climate expert Eunice Sampson explains.
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Companies have choices when they enter the circular economy. Learn which business models make economic and environmental sense.
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The circular economy takes a special form in low-income settings. It’s driven by individuals and emphasizes labour and resourcefulness over technological solutions. Its implementation has lessons for everyone.