The Circularity Gap Report has been providing important analysis and theory on the global state of circularity since 2019.

The report calls on governments to "create a level policy playing field", adjust fiscal policies and leverage public investment, and develop cyclical expertise and skills.

According to the report, the share of circular materials consumed in the global economy has decreased steadily over the last 5 years, falling from 9.1% in 2018 to 7.2% in 2023. During the same period, the world consumed 28% of all the materials humanity has consumed since 1900.

The report also calls on governments and industries to “break free” from flawed development models that fuel “socially and environmentally exploitative” practices. It was stated that the Government should adjust its fiscal policies and benefit from public investments to ensure that circular solutions are more valuable than linear business models.

Solutions here span food, the built environment, and manufactured products. It also divides countries into three different profiles: low-income-Build, middle-income-grow, and high-income-Shift.

On average, residents of high-income-shift countries are wealthy, have a comfortable lifestyle, and perform well on social indicators. However, they consume much more than their share. These countries should focus on reducing material extraction and use to ease their environmental burden.

Many middle-income countries are and are likely to remain, important manufacturing and industrial centers. This requires a change that will make their growth sustainable, but also supportive and safe for workers.

Low-income-Built countries often have difficulty meeting basic needs such as health and education. The main goal for these countries is to use materials that will improve living standards.

The three key solutions in the report are "creating a level policy playing field, getting the economy right, and building circular expertise and skills."

Please click to access the details of the report.