The circular economy is a solution to global issues such as climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It achieves this by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. According to the Ellen McArthur Foundation, there are three principles of the circular economy: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials at their highest value, and regenerate nature.
The circular economy is rooted in renewable energy and materials, and the idea of creating a resilient system beneficial for businesses, people, and the environment. The circular economy feeds waste back into itself. Converting to this economic model would require a shift in thinking from both the producer and the consumer.
A working circular economy would be a closed loop system where ESG issues are considered along with financial.