Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands
Abstract: A radical transformation in the way we use natural resources is central to meeting the needs of future generations. The take-make-waste concept has led to the dwindling of virgin material as well as the degradation of finite natural resources and capital. Current trends in global resource extraction are incompatible with internationally agreed targets for sustainable production and consumption. In parallel,the notion of a Circular Economy (CE) as an alternative economic framework has been gaining significant momentum and traction over the last few years and is seen as offering an approach for achieving local,national,and global sustainability. The growing interest in CE is reflected in numerous actors including governments,the private sector and civil society.