Our current economy is depleting resources, destroying economic value, and driving environmental harm at an unsustainable pace. Governments can play a decisive role in addressing these challenges by developing policy mixes that accelerate the circular economycircular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature. transition, delivering not only economic gains but also environmental and social benefits.
Building on the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Universal Circular Economy Policy Goals, the Foundation’s policy brief series aims to support governments by sharingsharingThe use of a product by multiple users. It is a practice that retains the highest value of a product by extending its use period. a shortlist of actionable policy instruments that can unlock circular economy outcomes.
These instruments not only have international relevance and clear momentum in policy development, but they can also be adapted to the diverse needs of national, regional, and local contexts. The series provides key design principles, case studies and recommendations to inspire action for accelerating the transition to the circular economy.
UPG1 Policy Brief
UPG2 Policy Brief
Design it right: Make circular systems the norm
Design decisions determine how resources are used and value is created. This brief highlights three systems which are particularly important to the circular economy transition: products, agricultural systems and cities. It identifies the upstream interventions which are essential to lock in long-term and system-level impact, and to deliver tangible benefits for people.
This brief includes case studies from the EU, France, India, California, China, and Japan.
