The circular economy has become a useful concept in sustainable resource management and an area of research that influences business and policy. The successful application of the circular economy benefits from extensive engagement with the body of scientific knowledge that brought it about, and which offers many relevant methods and findings. This white paper promotes such engagement by presenting 10 insights from the field of industrial ecology; each insight presents critical concepts, challenges, or opportunities for the circular economy stakeholders.
SUMMARY: INSIGHTS IN SHORT
NATURE OFFERS A MODEL FOR INDUSTRY
SOCIETIES METABOLISE LIKE ORGANISMS
WE CANNOT DO WITHOUT THE ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ARE INEVITABLE
A LIFE CYCLE PERSPECTIVE AVOIDS BURDEN SHIFTING
EARLY SYSTEMIC INTERVENTION PREVENTS WASTE
LOCATION SHAPES ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
MATERIAL USE DEPENDS ON INFRASTRUCTURE
TECHNOLOGY IS NOT A PANACEA
THE FUTURE IS UNKNOWN BUT MAY BE ANTICIPATED