Canada’s resource-based economy depends on the ability to preserve the value of finite resources and natural capital for success. Current linear models of production and consumption – take-make-waste – has proven to be unsustainable and a barrier to success. Products are designed and used with a limited life and diminishing value; and environmental and social costs are not considered in the purchase price. Shifting the economy to a model that is built on environment protection, social well-being, and robust financial health requires demand for better products, business models, and partnerships.
The circular economy re-engages consumption and production beyond the linear model by decoupling economic growth from resource use. Circularity has the ability to improve the value of natural resources, reduce carbon emissions, and eliminate waste. It redefines value, and encourages innovation in product design and business delivery systems. Transitioning to a circular economy doesn’t balance economic, environmental, and social priorities in isolation: it delivers them simultaneously.
Traditional model of production and consumption where resources are made into products and used until discarded as waste.
New model of production and consumption that keeps materials at their highest utility and value throughout their lifecycle, and recirculated into productions cycles to avoid waste.
The circular economy is built from a realignment of our values designed to protect our natural capital, reduce carbon emissions, and eliminate waste. As documented by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, our ability to achieve climate targets require us to address the 45 percent of global emissions generated from how we make and use products and how we produce food.
As the Circular Innovation Council we are leveraging our history to advance waste elimination and strengthening its connection to low-carbon production and consumption.
In circular economy we design products so resources can be reused and reinvested in new products again and again.
A circular economy supports the idea of access over ownership.
By shifting to access over ownership, manufacturers are incented to make longer lasting and more efficient products that are designed with durability, repairability and reuse as primary considerations.
How can we advance the circular economy? Purchase smartly designed products meant to last longer, be reused, refurbished, and dismantled. Support companies that offer take-back of products after use. Embrace access over ownership. Use procurement and purchasing power to influence greater performance and deliver environmental and social value.
Microbial breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen.
In a circular economy, anaerobic digestion can be used to convert food by-products, sewage sludge, and other biodegradable materials into digestates (or ‘biosolids’) that can be used as soil enhancers and biogas.
Return a product to good working order. This can include repairing or replacing components, updating specifications, and improving cosmetic appearance.
Five circular models that underpin the circular economy are based on the principles of longevity, reuse, repairability, upgrade, share, and material reduction and recovery. Each model is unique, and procurement can encourage suppliers and vendors to innovate and deliver one or a combination of models.
Read about our work and understand how you can help put circular economy concepts into action
We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territory of many Indigenous Nations and we humbly extend my respect to Indigenous individuals, communities and Elders, past and present, as the traditional custodians of this land.
Circular Innovation Council is a registered charity.
Charity Registration Number: 119112118 RR 0001
