Figure 7: The circular economy—an industrial system that is restorative by design


We are shifting to a system where we …


… regenerate natural systems


… design out waste and pollution


… keep products and materials in use


New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and UNEP, have gained substantial support with business and governments around the world. Although progress is slow, these initiatives are driving some consumer-facing companies to investigate the opportunities presented by economic models that generate zero waste. For example, new startups, such as Novelis, DyeCoo or Fairphone, as well as circularity hubs such as Loop in Norway or Bluecity in the Netherlands, combined with growing consumer demand for zero-plastic and waste free consumption, have begun to encourage mechanisms of resource exchange and circular entrepreneurship.


Some companies have now committed to achieving full circularity by or before 2030. Big brands in the clothing industry have also recently launched trial fashion rental services that are proving very popular. [34]


Importantly, policy


commitments from governments are emerging, like the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) of the EU which provides 30 per cent of its budget towards green transitions, [24]


working to create a


new market for biobased and circular materials, enabling new business models based on use rather than product ownership.


New ways to produce food that build on sustainability principles and regenerate soils,


Figure 8: Economic benefits from a transition to circular economy in The Netherlands 25 %


7 billion euros for the


Dutch economy


Economic benefits


Over


50 thousand jobs


Cleaner environment


10 % 16


decrease in CO2 emissions


Adapt to Survive: Business transformation in a time of uncertainty Saving 20 % water in industry


Security of supply


of resources less import of primary resources


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