More consumption also means more waste – in air, on land, and at sea. The ‘take-make-waste' production cycle produces half of all greenhouse gas emissions and creates 100 billion tons of additional materials – less than a tenth of which gets recycled.
Society is over-spending resources and damaging the planet – further compounding a crushing environmental debt. Without change, by 2050, society will need the equivalent of three planet earths to sustain our current lifestyles. Circular solutions provide a sustainable way forward. In stark contrast to traditional production processes, circular companies are critically monitoring how products are designed, manufactured, distributed, consumed, and discarded in order to minimize resource use and waste at every phase of a product’s life.
That can mean using software simulation in a product’s design phase to experiment with resource-friendly materials or modular-construction models so they can be easily disassembled, upgraded and reused rather than thrown out completely.
It can also mean sharing resources among multiple users via subscription-based services. Highly visible retail examples already exist in transport, travel and tourism, but sharing platforms are also cropping up in surprising areas, from heavy-duty farming equipment and factory machinery to the rental of laboratory space for R&D and clinical trials.
Business models and applications that apply circular solutions are almost limitless and can be found across industries and sectors globally.
We’ve grown used to consuming resources to make products and grow economies. The circular economy is a different economic model. It decouples economic growth from the use of virgin resources by discovering new ways of extending the life and exploiting the value of what we’ve already got.
The circular economy is a need-to-have. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to benefit from the transition to more sustainable growth!
Stay informed on our latest insights
Receive our Robeco newsletter and be the first to read the latest insights.
Important information
The contents of this document have not been reviewed by the Securities and Futures Commission ("SFC") in Hong Kong. If you are in any doubt about any of the contents of this document, you should obtain independent professional advice. This document has been distributed by Robeco Hong Kong Limited (‘Robeco’). Robeco is regulated by the SFC in Hong Kong. This document has been prepared on a confidential basis solely for the recipient and is for information purposes only. Any reproduction or distribution of this documentation, in whole or in part, or the disclosure of its contents, without the prior written consent of Robeco, is prohibited. By accepting this documentation, the recipient agrees to the foregoing This document is intended to provide the reader with information on Robeco’s specific capabilities, but does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell certain securities or investment products. Investment decisions should only be based on the relevant prospectus and on thorough financial, fiscal and legal advice. Please refer to the relevant offering documents for details including the risk factors before making any investment decisions. The contents of this document are based upon sources of information believed to be reliable. This document is not intended for distribution to or use by any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. Investment Involves risks. Historical returns are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily reflect Robeco’s expectations for the future. The value of your investments may fluctuate. Past performance is no indication of current or future performance.