The idea of a circular economy that goes beyond linear patterns of produce-use-dump is high on the political agenda, but how do we ensure that it does not stay a pure business project? What kind of circular economy would help to decouple well-being from resource consumption? How would we know that we are actually becoming more circular and sustainable and what kind of knowledge, what mix of policies and what combination of actors are needed to implement such a fundamental change across all levels of society and the economy?

This book goes beyond the hype of a circular economy and outlines the risks, limits and opportunities of a resource-efficient circular economy in Europe, including clear recommendations on how to get there. It provides a cutting-edge assessment and a realist outlook on what the circular economy means in practice. The book concludes by identifying the key intervention points for circular economy policies and outlines a strategic timeline and responsibilities that will be necessary to realize the environmental and economic benefits of increased circularity until 2030 within the European Union.

This book provides strategic recommendations which will be vital to professionals and policymakers in sustainable business and economics and strategic management, as well as students and scholars of environmental economics, sustainable business and development and waste management.