The circular economy is an alternative to the linear "take-make-dispose" system that aims to be restorative and regenerative by design. There are two types of material flows - biological materials that can return to the biosphere and technical materials that are kept at high value through reuse. The circular economy requires changing the entire operating system, not just individual products, and analysis shows it can also make economic sense for manufacturers compared to the linear model. Some manufacturers have already adopted circular design and business models in their products.

1. RECAP
An introduction to the circular economy

2. The circular economy can be
viewed in contrast to
the linear economy
Let’s ditch the linear ‘take-make-dispose’ system and embrace one
which is restorative and regenerative by design

3. There are two
flows of
materials
Biological materials of
consumption and technical
materials of use. Keep
technical materials at high
value and find a way to
return biological materials
to the biosphere so they
add value.
Don’t cycle toxins!

4. It’s a whole new system
It’s not about one manufacturer changing one product; it’s about
changing the entire operating system

5. It needs to make economic
sense or it won’t fly
According to the analysis, the numbers already stack up nicely for
the circular economy

6. Manufacturers
are already
designing for
a circular
economy
There are numerous case
studies of manufacturers who
are already in this game.
They changed their product
design and their business model
to suit.