Contribution of the circular economy to the achievement of sustainable development goals

The circular economy emerged as a model alternative to the linear economy, beneficial for the economy, society and nature. The concept of the circular economy is based on the idea of designing production facilities without waste and pollution, extending the service life of materials for maximising the value of products and resources and for restoring the nature. In recent years, the transformative potential of the circular economy to address environmental and social challenges attracts an increasing international attention as a tool for an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, presenting itself as a solution to some of the most pressing global challenges. This interest is particularly driven by the recognition that the existing UN-led sustainable development agenda is at risk of non-fulfillment. In this regard, urgent actions to revive the slow progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are considered, with an emphasis on the need to integrate the circular economy principles into the international system.