Circular Economy: Foundation and Theoretical Framework
1
Issued Date
2025-01-01
Resource Type
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105024624846
Journal Title
Strategic Innovations for Circular Economy
Start Page
1
End Page
26
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Strategic Innovations for Circular Economy (2025) , 1-26
Suggested Citation
Karim R., Dhar B.K., Roshid M.M. Circular Economy: Foundation and Theoretical Framework. Strategic Innovations for Circular Economy (2025) , 1-26. 26. doi:10.4018/979-8-3373-2454-8.ch001 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/113620
Title
Circular Economy: Foundation and Theoretical Framework
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Author's Affiliation
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Abstract
The Circular Economy (CE) is a shift away from the conventional linear economic model, which is based on resource efficiency and waste minimization with regenerative systems. This chapter goes beyond descriptive overviews by synthesizing historical evolution, theoretical foundations, and practical applications of CE into a unified conceptual lens, highlighting how CE serves as both a sustainability paradigm and a systems-level economic framework. It charts the history of CE from early conceptual contributions, such as the 1972 Limits to Growth report, through formalization in the 1980s with the rise of industrial ecology and the inception of eco-efficiency in 2000. The chapter provides a brief review of key milestones in CE, from the Performance Economy to Cradle-to-Cradle design, emphasizing the extension of product lifetimes and recycling, culminating in overall closed-loop material flows. It also explores the role of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, espousing the CE and linking it to worldwide sustainability objectives. Unlike prior reviews, the.