There is a growing business movement toward what is described as a circular economy, an alternative to a traditional linear economy where the current widespread operating model can best be described as make, use and dispose.
In the evolving circular model, we strive to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them while in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life.
To be successful, this model will require a fundamental rethinking of products, materials and systems of commerce.
GreenBiz Group, in collaboration with UPS, conducted research to gain a greater understanding of key aspects and concepts associated with the circular economy to identify trends that will help define success for this developing system of commerce.
This document shares the results and insights garnered from one of the nation’s first quantitative surveys focused on better understanding the state of the circular economy.
Key Insights