Difference Between Circular and Linear Economy

"Every day is Earth Day”: Unknown

Introduction

When a new shirt is purchased, it is used at the marriage party. After using it effectively, it is generally worn when a person is going to the nearby market. Later on, it is worn in the night. Once it is not for use, it is either gifted to a needy person or worn during the Holi festival. This concept is common in the majority of households in India. The reason may be economic but the concept of circularity is built into it! ???

Content: What is Circular Economy

1.?????? What is a Circular Economy?

2.????? What is Linear Economy?

3.????? What is the key difference between the two

4.???? Conclusion

Objective

The circular economy is an economic system that aims to eliminate waste and the continual use of resources by creating a closed-loop system. In a circular economy, products, materials, and resources are kept in use for as long as possible, extracting the maximum value from them while in use, and then recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of each service life.

Once you go through the article, you will understand the meaning of linear and circular economy, the key differences, and their purpose.

Definition: ISO 59004: 2024

Circular Economy (Cl 3.1.1): Economic system that uses a systematic approach to maintain a circular flow of resources by recovering, retaining or adding to their value while contributing to sustainable development.?

Sustainable Development (Cl 3.1.11): Development that meets the environmental, social economic needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.

Life Cycle (Cl 3.2.4): Consecutive and interlinked stages in the life of a solution.

Linear Economy (Cl 3.5.10): Economic system where resources typically follow the pattern of extraction, production, use and disposal.?

End of Life (Cl 3.5.30): <Product> point in time when a product is taken out of use and its resources are either recovered for processing or is disposed of.?

Life Cycle Assessment (Cl 3.6.8): Compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and potential environmental impacts of a product system throughout its life cycle.?

Detailed Information

German chemist Michael Braungart and American architect William McDonough (often referred to as the “father of circular economy”): wrote a book in 2002, “Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things,” that envisioned products being designed to regenerate ecosystems instead of harming them.

Linear Economy:

Our current industrial economy is dominated by linear processes. Imagine a massive network of conveyor belts where goods are produced, used and ultimately discarded. This one-way flow has a clear beginning and end.

Circular Economy:

The circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible. In this way, the?life cycle of products is extended.

In practice, it implies?reducing waste?to a minimum. When a product reaches the end of its life, its materials are kept within the economy wherever possible thanks to recycling. These can be productively used again and again, thereby?creating further value.

A circular economy keeps materials and products in circulation for as long as possible.

Key Difference Between Linear and Circular Economy

Conclusion:

Overall, the circular economy aligns better with long-term environmental, economic, and social goals, making it a more viable model for a sustainable future. It offers a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear economy, aiming to create a more resilient and sustainable future.

References:

ISO 59004: 2024

ISO 59010: 2024

ISO 59020: 2024

Industry Experts

https://www.sfridoo.com/en/blog/differences-between-circular-and-linear-economy/#:~:text=In%20a%20linear%20economy%2C%20products,can%20be%20repaired%20or%20regenerated .

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