Introduction

Despite increasing environmental degradation, most economies in the world operate on the traditional linear business model of cheap energy and readily available resources. This model is characterized by a one-way flow of materials: from raw materials that are transformed into products and ultimately into waste.

An alternative to the linear model of resource use is the new and increasingly popular concept of the circular economy, which is a response to the end of the era of cheap coal, oil and natural gas. The essence of the circular economy is the reverse (non-linear) flow of materials with the lowest possible use of natural resources and the lowest environmental costs. Implementing a circular economy leads to economic and social benefits and, ultimately, to building a system in which the economy, society and the environment are coordinated to meet the SDGs.

It is therefore very important that the circular economy is implemented by most existing companies, plants and factories, as they are the pioneers in the use of resources in the linear model. It should be considered how to convince entrepreneurs to do so.

By the end of this module, you will learn:

• How the circular economy is connected with different business models and what are the benefits of implementing them in a company
• What kind of innovations have been implemented with use of circular economy
• Which good practices are developed by various companies in Europe.

This module was created for beginners who want to learn how the principles of the circular economy work, and also want to learn examples of forms and start-ups that have already implemented the principles of the circular economy.