Circular Economy

plants in plastic bottles mounted to a wall

With a growing world population, a key challenge is how we can use the Earth's finite resources much more efficiently. Circular economy is an innovative and sustainable approach to the way we consume, produce, and dispose of goods and services. It is a model that aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, minimize waste and pollution, and regenerate natural systems.

Copernicus circular economy research involves studying the ways in which we can design products and systems that are circular, exploring new business models that incentivize sustainable practices, and analyzing the economic, environmental, and social impacts of a circular economy.

Our researchers in this field collaborate across various disciplines to investigate sustainable consumption, technological innovations and new organizational arrangements. They collaborate with businesses, policymakers, and communities to identify opportunities for circularity, and to develop and test new solutions.

Projects

Highlights

Targeting the full potential of biotic waste streams and biotic feedstock
The Copernicus Institute and RIVM are looking towards industry to eliminate obstacles during innovation of green chemistry.
Policy brief: The Circular Economy
Marko Hekkert and Denise Reike contributed to a policy brief discussing how progress is being measured in the transition towards a circular economy.
The circular economy and the search for a new economic paradigm
With its promise to transform the current economic paradigm, the circular economy is emerging as a championed approach for achieving sustainable economic development. Copernicus researchers are now taking the challenges of what we call "Circular Economy 3.0", which include seeking measures for creating shorter closed-loop material and energy cycles, that also account for broader system effects and complexities.
CHAPLIN XL: Exploring the potential of bio-based asphalt
Can we use biobased asphalt at large scale anytime soon? The construction of test strips with bioasphalt in the Netherlands should provide the necessary knowledge to start applying this technology at large scale.
The Rise of the Platform Economy
The advent of online platforms enables private individuals to share goods on a massive scale, making people less reliant on private ownership. The sustainability effects such sharing platforms, however, are ambiguous.
Exploring urban metabolism—Towards an interdisciplinary perspective
In this white paper by Ernst Worrell, Martin Dijst and others, a combined natural and social science perspective on urban metabolism is discussed.
Digital technologies can foster the circular economy – but what about their sustainability impact?
The Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, big data, blockchain and 3D printing. In the ongoing quest to develop a circular economy these kinds of digital technologies are expected to play a major role. Copernicus research shows we have an incomplete picture of the sustainability of digital technologies expected to underpin the transition to a circular economy.
Producer still insufficiently responsible for circular economy
For a truly circular economy, producers should be further incentivized to use recycled materials and extend their products lifespan.
How we are working on a fair and sustainable circular fashion industry
The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is trying to understand how we can reach a fair, sustainable circular global fashion industry. But what is a circular fashion industry exactly? Why is it a solution? Who needs to be involved and what needs to change? We spoke to the experts to find out.
EU Policy must ensure producers are held globally responsible for electronics waste, researchers urge
A Copernicus-led study argues that the current European regulatory system - Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) - should extend globally, with consideration for circularity, sustainability, and fairness.
Tracking the Netherlands' journey to a circular economy: The Material Flow Monitor
How can we monitor the circularity of something as complex as the economy? The Material Flow Monitor database integrates existing statistical data to derive indicators for the circular economy.
How circular policies of Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Glasgow fall short on social and environmental justice
Utrecht University-led research finds that circular policies in the three cities focus primarily on economic competitiveness and technological innovation, and fail to adequately promote social justice and environmental stewardship.