Translation:

Circular Economy = Circular Economy.

Simplified definition:

It is an economic model based on exploiting resources and renewing them with maximum efficiency. Instead of the traditional pattern (take, make, throw away), the circular economy works as a "closed loop" that focuses on designing products to last long, repairing them, reusing them, renewing them, and ultimately recycling their materials to completely eliminate waste.

What does it mean to you?

  • You will get higher quality products, more durable, and repairable, instead of those "designed for quick failure" to make you buy others.
  • New business models based on "service" instead of "ownership" will spread; (for example: renting household tools or furniture instead of buying them, which saves you money and storage space).
  • Your environment will be cleaner: less waste going to landfills, and less pollution of air and water due to the reduced need to extract and manufacture new raw materials.

Common question:

Is the circular economy just a fancy and developed name for "recycling"?

Answer:

No, recycling is just a small part (and the last resort) within the circular economy. The circular economy first focuses on "preventing waste" from the beginning through "smart design", then "keeping products and materials in use" through maintenance, sharing and remanufacturing, and recycling only comes as a last step when the product cannot be used in any other way, because it itself consumes energy.