Circular economy: basics

In short: The circular economy aims to keep products and materials in the economic cycle for as long as possible, instead of disposing of them after a single use. It stands in contrast to the classic “throwaway economy”.

In more detail: The concept covers far more than just recycling and begins already at the product design stage.

In detail

• Design for recycling: Products designed from the start for repairability and recyclability make reuse significantly easier.
• Repair instead of replacing: Repair cafés and a right to repair extend the usage life of devices and items.
• Reuse: Continuing to use products in their original form saves more resources than recycling, since no material conversion is needed.
• Recycling as a last resort: When reuse isn’t possible, recycling comes into play, converting materials into new products.
• Sharing models: Car sharing, tool rental, and similar models reduce the need for individual ownership of many products.
• Resource scarcity: A functioning circular economy reduces dependence on limited and often problematically mined raw materials.
• EU legislation: The European Union promotes the circular economy through requirements such as ecodesign directives and recycling quotas (muelltrennung-richtig-erklaert, fast-fashion-und-textilkonsum).