This article unpacks the idea of cycles, loops and flows by analysing what socio-ecological cycles are most relevant for sustainability and circularity.

It thus finds a set of seven cycles that are key to better understanding the circular economy and its relation to human and planetary well-being (biogeochemical, ecosystem, resource, power, wealth, knowledge and care cycles).

The article then analyses how and whether dominant circular economy discourses currently address these cycles. It proposes the idea of a circular society as an umbrella concept that can help us better address the critical ecological, social and political implications of a circularity transition.

Moreover, this article develops a set of interrelated strategies to operationalise the circular society concept.