Circular economy

Kathrin Greiff, Berfin Bayram and Wiebke Hagedorn

Chapter 10 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, 2026, pp 29-31 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The sustainable use of resources requires a holistic, systemic approach that combines economic and social aspects. These considerations have led to the development of the concept of the Circular Economy (CE). The CE is not a novel concept but rather an umbrella approach. The understanding of the concept of CE varies widely. Given its multidisciplinary and dynamic nature, the CE has led to diverse definitions that focus on various aspects, such as material flows, environmental impacts, business models, consumption patterns, or products. In short, it can be said that resources and materials should be kept in use – in the economic cycle – and losses as well as negative environmental impact should be avoided. The CE is often reduced to waste management. However, the approach should be seen as overarching. The so-called R-strategies are seen as central to implementation. During implementation, it is important that the objective of a sustainable economy is not forgotten during monitoring.

Keywords: Circular Economy; R-concepts; Resource Efficiency; Decoupling; Sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035309887
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