Share

Resource productivity and waste

RE-CIRCLE: resource efficiency and circular economy

 

CIRCLE project logo
In the last century we have seen an unprecedented increase in the use of natural resources and materials. Global raw material use rose at almost twice the rate of population growth. The OECD finds that efficient use of resources and furthering the transition to a circular economy can help not only material security, but improve environmental and economic outcomes as well.

 

The project

The OECD “Resource Efficiency and Circular Economy” (RE-CIRCLE) project provides policy guidance on resource efficiency and the transition to a circular economy. It aims to identify and quantify the impact of resource-efficient, circular economy policies to guide a range of stakeholders in OECD member countries and emerging market economies through quantitative and qualitative analysis.

 

The project is embedded in on-going work by the OECD on resource efficiency and the transition to a circular economy. This brochure includes results from the RE-CIRCLE project as well as from some of the major other recent OECD publications that directly relate to the topic.

 

The RE-CIRCLE project is structured around two complementary work packages toward sound evidence-based policy recommendations. The first workstream uses qualitative analysis on selected topics to guide policies to further the transition to the circular economy. The second workstream uses global environment-economy modelling to project the impacts of resource.


Brochure (PDF)

latest papers

 

POLICY HIGHLIGHTS

Business Models for the Circular Economy (PDF)

Extended Producer Responsibility
and the Impact of Online Sales
(PDF)

International Trade
and the Transition to a Circular Economy
 (PDF)

Government Support for Primary
and Secondary Metal Production
(PDF)

ON-GOING WORK STrEAMS

1. Quantitative analysis

The quantitative work stream investigates the interlinkages between materials use and economic activity. Modelling tools are used to examine plausible long-term trends in global materials use and assess the macroeconomic implications of policies to stimulate resource efficiency and the transition to a circular economy. These core assessments are complemented by more detailed analysis. Current work focuses on labour markets and international trade consequences of circular economy policies 

 

2. Qualitative policy guidance

The qualitative work stream covers specific economic policy instruments, the potential influence of digital innovation, assessments of particular material resources and food security, the role and effects of circular business models on the environment, and resource efficiency in global value chains. Plastics are given particular attention, as they are one of the major material waste streams where circularity is less developed and leakage into the environment is putting marine eco-systems at risk.

PUBLICATIONS

 

PAST EVENTS

 

Further reading

 

THE TEAM

The RE-CIRCLE work is led by the Environment and Economy Integration Division in the OECD Environment Directorate. For more information, contact:

 

ENGAGE WITH US

  • To receive our latest Environment news, publications and events, sign up to MyOECD (choose Environment as an area of interest and tick Environment News under Newsletters).
  • Follow us on Twitter: @OECD_ENV.

 

Related Documents