We are used to an economy based on a ‘take-make-consume-throw away’ pattern: this is the linear economy. When we recycle, repair, share, or when a company buys a service rather than a product, we speak of a circular economy. It is much more than just waste management 2.0.

To help stakeholders and citizens understand this growing policy area, Didier Bourguignon from the European Parliamentary Research Service is here to answer three key questions on circular economy:




To see recent EPRS work on the circular economy, view the:

• animated infographic on circular economy, from materials to waste, with a special focus on smarter use of resources and actions taken so far by the EU to close the loop
• briefing on the environmental impact of the textile and clothing industry
• briefing on material use in the European Union
• podcast about plastics and the circular economy

• Towards a circular economy - waste management in the EU
• Supporting the Market for Secondary Raw Materials in a Circular Economy