What is the circular economy concept?

The circular economy concept is fundamentally about transitioning from a traditional linear model of consumption—where resources are used, products are discarded, and waste is created—towards a more sustainable system that emphasizes the recycling and reuse of materials. This approach aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, minimizing waste and reducing the overall demand for new materials.

In a circular economy, the focus is on designing products with their end life in mind, promoting practices such as remanufacturing, refurbishing, recycling, and sharing. By doing so, this model supports economic growth while also contributing to environmental sustainability, as it reduces the extraction of raw materials and minimizes harmful impacts on ecosystems.

The other options do not encapsulate the essence of the circular economy. For instance, a linear model of resource consumption does not prioritize sustainability, a wasteful economic model of production contradicts the principles of circularity, and an economy that encourages single-use products runs counter to the goals of reducing waste and fostering continuous resource use.