Citation
Towards the Circular Economy: Economic and Business Rationale for an Accelerated Transition
TL;DR
Circular economy could generate $1 trillion in material savings by 2025
This foundational report established the economic case for circular economy principles modeled on natural nutrient cycling. It introduced the butterfly diagram distinguishing technical and biological cycles, quantified economic opportunities from circular models, and catalyzed corporate adoption of circular principles.
The report provides the conceptual bridge between biological nutrient cycling and business application, making abstract ecological principles actionable for organizations. It remains the primary reference for circular economy strategy.
Key Findings from Foundation (2013)
- Circular economy could generate $1 trillion in material savings by 2025
- Technical cycles preserve material value through reuse, repair, remanufacture, recycle
- Biological cycles return biodegradable materials to natural systems
- Product-as-service models align incentives with durability and recovery