Question 1

What is the circular economy?

Accepted Answer

The circular economy is an economic model designed to eliminate waste and keep materials in use for as long as possible. Instead of the traditional take-make-dispose approach, circular systems keep products, components, and materials circulating through repair, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling — while regenerating natural systems.

Question 2

What is the difference between the circular economy and sustainability?

Accepted Answer

Sustainability is the goal — using resources in a way that meets today's needs without compromising future generations. The circular economy is one of the most practical frameworks for getting there. Where sustainability defines the destination, circularity defines a route: redesigning how we make, use, and recover things so that waste becomes the exception, not the norm.

Question 3

What does it mean for a company to be circular?

Accepted Answer

A circular company actively redesigns its products, services, or business model to extend the life of materials and reduce dependence on virgin resources. This might mean designing for durability, offering repair or take-back services, using recycled inputs, or enabling reuse at scale. At Circularita, we assess this through publicly verifiable evidence — not self-declaration.

Question 4

Why does the circular economy need an Index?

Accepted Answer

Without common standards and independent verification, circular economy claims are hard to trust or compare. The Circularita Index exists to bring structure and credibility to the space — mapping what companies are actually doing, based on evidence, so that institutions, investors, and buyers can make informed decisions.

Articles | The Circular Economy Index