The power of regions and cities to close the Circularity Gap
Regions and provinces are key players in accelerating circularity and closing the Circularity Gap, as they are best positioned to address local demands and engage stakeholders. Recognizing the circular economy as a way to strengthen communities and meet environmental targets, the Circularity Gap Report (CGR) for regions and provinces offers tailored insights into the best local interventions and provides the necessary tools to monitor progress, acknowledging that circular solutions are not 'one size fits all.'
Québec is a large Canadian province characterised by high resource extraction, especially for forestry and mining, and high consumption patterns despite being powered largely by clean electricity.
The first Circularity Gap Report (CGR) Québec was conducted in 2021 in collaboration with RECYC-QUÉBEC, which found the province's initial Circularity Metric to stand at 3.5%. The subsequent 2025 report revisits this figure, revealing a concerning stagnation in progress towards closing its Circularity Gap, largely due to persistent overconsumption and reliance on virgin resources.
The Circularity Gap Report: Friesland is a joint initiative led by Circulair Friesland, the Province of Friesland, and Circle Economy to track and analyse Friesland’s progress toward a circular economy.
By providing a clear and data-driven snapshot of circular economy developments in the region, this initiative enhances transparency, supports informed decision-making, and empowers stakeholders to drive impactful change. Additionally, it serves as a scalable model for other regions, offering valuable insights and best practices to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
Munich is one of Germany’s biggest and wealthiest cities. An innovation hub, a consumption hotspot and a magnet for talent, it represents the quintessential modern European city. But in upholding its lavish lifestyle and top-of-the-line industries, Munich draws a massive amount of resources from beyond its borders.
This makes it an ideal place to pioneer the Circularity Gap Report methodology at the city level. The outcomes are encouraging: the city is well-poised to scale its circular economy initiatives, with the analysis showing that it can use 43% less materials than it uses now while cutting its consumption-based CO2 emissions by 23%. The Circularity Gap Report Munich shows how to achieve this.
Montréal, the second most populous city in Canada and Québec’s largest city, is a bustling centre of economic activity. The city's economy consumes an unsustainable amount of resources—extracted worldwide—which is leading to high levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and waste. The Circularity Gap Report Montréal offers a comprehensive set of baseline circularity indicators to empower local stakeholders to assess, track, and enhance circularity within the city and beyond, paving the way for a more resilient and low-carbon economy.
Gamagori, located in Aichi Prefecture, Japan, is a coastal city known for its hot springs, scenic attractions, and vibrant local culture. In late 2023, Gamagori committed to advancing the circular economy to foster well-being in harmony with nature.
The city’s labour market plays a crucial role in achieving this vision. In collaboration with Harch Inc. and the city of Gamagori, Circle Economy mapped circular jobs in Gamagori, providing a foundation for creating more employment opportunities that will drive the circular transition forward
