The Circular Economy

The way we turn raw materials into products and then deal with what is left over has changed over time — moving from a one-directional, linear path toward a closed loop. Tracing that progression from 1700 through to a projected 2050, three models stand out: the linear economy, the reuse economy, and the circular economy.

Linear Economy

In a linear economy, materials move in a single direction. The path runs through design, raw materials, production, and use, and ends in non-recyclable waste. Once a product has been used, it leaves the system as waste rather than returning to it.

Reuse Economy

The reuse economy keeps the same core stages — design, raw materials, production, and use — but begins to extend the life of products and materials by reusing them rather than discarding them immediately. This reduces the volume of material that becomes non-recyclable waste at the end of the line.

Circular Economy

In a circular economy, the loop closes. Design, raw materials, production, and use are joined by recycling, which feeds materials back into the cycle instead of sending them out as waste. By recycling and returning materials to production, the circular model minimizes waste and keeps resources in use for as long as possible.