People in a circular economy

Ensuring wellbeing for all

A SAFE AND JUST SPACE

As the economy shifts from linear to circular, we are presented with an opportunity. If implemented with the planet and people in mind, the circular economy can help us create a safe and just space for all—addressing not only environmental challenges but also social ones.

Yet while environmental considerations are at the core of the circular economy, social aspects have largely been underexplored. That's because the circular economy is a resource-based framework primarily seeking to prevent further environmental degradation.

Since our current system is deeply rooted in the exploitation of both the planet and people—with some of us experiencing its negative impacts more than others—, any attempt to bring about change must match environmental goals with social ambitions.

SEIZING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE

If a safe and just space for all is the goal, how can we seize the opportunities the circular economy presents?

At Circle Economy, we want to better understand how circular principles can drive positive social change. Considering social injustices in the current economic system, we research social blindspots of circular strategies and explore how the circular economy can create inclusive and decent work. We work closely with businesses, cities, nations and civil societies to help them implement circular business models that put human wellbeing at the centre.

We believe we must adopt a more holistic lens to the circular economy so that all humans can thrive on a healthy planet.
This is an opportunity we cannot fail to take.
The circular transition needs to be positive for all of us. For this we need foresight, awareness and education. The circular economy brings an opportunity to promote decent jobs, secure livelihoods and inclusive labour markets. But to make these opportunities a reality, the social impact of the circular economy needs to be understood and prioritised.

– Esther Goodwin Brown, Circular Jobs Initiative Lead at Circle Economy
We need a new economic system that allows both people and the planet to thrive, one that is based on a shared understanding of our interconnectedness. We are all part of one system, interdependent on each other, and dependent upon nature. To bring this mindset shift to life, we must design circular economic models that are deeply transformative, embracing a holistic way of thinking and new forms of collaboration.

- Ilektra Kouloumpi, Senior Cities Strategist - Thriving Cities Lead
White Paper

Why we need to rethink the ‘technical’ circular economy

The circular economy has the potential to create social prosperity as well as environmental. Read more to learn how we can create a circular economy fit for the 21st-century.
Relevant for:
Civil society
Circular economy practitioners
Read more
Report

Avoiding blindspots: Promoting circular and fair business models

This report provides recommendations for addressing the social, governance, market and environmental blindspots of circular business models.
Relevant for:
Policy makers
Civil society based in the European Union
Read more
Report

The social economy: a means for inclusive & decent work in the circular economy?

Combining the social and the circular economy agendas can facilitate an inclusive, just and safe labour market.
Relevant for:
Entrepreneurs
Local and national policymakers
Civil society
Read more
Report

Resilience and the circular economy: Opportunities and risks

Which circular economy strategies enhance socio-ecological resilience? How can we avoid potential trade-offs?
Relevant for:
Businesses
Local and national governments
Educators
Read more
Report

Creating City Portraits - A methodological guide from the Thriving Cities Initiative

A methodology to assess city strategies in a holistic way, integrating environmental and social, local and global considerations.
Relevant for:
local policymakers
urban changemakers
Read more
Pilot Offering

Thrive: Designing a circular economy for people and planet.

A pilot approach using doughnut economics and circular economy thinking to design thriving cities.
Relevant for:
Local policy makers
Civil society
Read more
see more reports
Over the past decade, sustained investment in technological and material innovation has accelerated the transition to a circular economy. But to further scale its positive impact, we now need to embrace social innovations that make the circular economy relevant to our daily lives, jobs and education. Only if technological and social innovations go hand in hand, can we drive real change.

– Birgitta Kramer, Programme Manager Circular Economy at Goldschmeding Foundation

work in the circular economy

As we transition to a circular economy, the world of work changes. To ensure a positive transition to circularity for all workers, our Circular Jobs Initiative conducts research on the relationship between labour markets and the circular economy.
Read more

BLOG

blog
Material (mis)management: could the global economy thrive with one-third fewer materials?

March 13, 2023
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blog
Where are they now? A look back on the innovation journey of 4 brands

February 13, 2023
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blog
New legislation coming, but only 22% of companies ready to report quantitatively on circular economy

January 25, 2023
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blog
How circular design can change the world

What Design Can Do’s MAKE IT CIRCULAR CHALLENGE: Designing a socially just and ethical circular economy

January 5, 2023
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blog
Sustainability in the Global South isn’t one-size-fits-all—here’s why

As the circular economy approach gains prominence, it should be implemented with care

November 22, 2022
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blog
To reach sustainability goals at COP27, we must prioritise—and finance—circular projects

Most greenhouse gas emissions come from material use—a circular economy is vital to mitigating these

November 17, 2022
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