What is the circular economy and why does it matter?
In a circular economy, things are made and consumed in a way that minimizes our use of the world’s resources, cuts waste and reduces carbon emissions. Products are kept in use for as long as possible, through repairing, recycling and redesign – so they can be used again and again.
At the end of a product’s life, the materials used to make it are kept in the economy and reused wherever possible, the European Parliament explains.
The way we live now is using 60% more resources than the Earth can provide – and creating too much waste, according to experts. Switching to a circular economy is widely considered to be the way forward.