What is the Circular Economy? | Canadian Circular Economy Summit

From linear to circular.

In the conventional economy, materials move through a linear process of extraction, production, consumption, and eventual disposal (“take-make-waste”). This model is problematic as it is inherently inefficient, wastes valuable resources, and poses significant risks to both human and environmental health.

In contrast, the circular economy seeks to eliminate the concept of waste through the redesign, reuse, repair, and recycling of products and materials in interconnected systems, biological cycles, and markets (“make-use-return”).

A circular economy aims to maximize value and eliminate waste by improving the design of materials, products, services, systems and business models.

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

CIRCULAR STRATEGIES INCLUDE:

The design of long-lasting, reusable and easily recyclable products.

Decreasing the use of virgin materials and non-renewable resources and increasing the use of renewable resources and recycled materials.

Dramatically reducing the negative environmental impacts of economic development (such as pollution) through carbon-neutrality, using non-toxic materials and other strategies.

Shifting from linear supply chains that produce disposable products to circular supply chains that produce ongoing services (product-as-service).

Shifting from "waste management" to "resource recovery" where everything has a value and zero waste goes to landfill.

CANADIAN CIRCULAR ECONOMY SUMMIT