Global circular networks and couplings: Towards a multi-scalar architecture of the circular economy

We conceptualize a globally integrated circular economy through the notion of global circular networks (GCN) and identify the key mechanisms of circular (de-)coupling. We develop a novel conceptual framework by integrating concepts from literatures on global production networks (GPN) and the circular economy (CE). The framework combines four essential dimensions of these couplings—actors, resources, functions, and geography—which we illustrate with empirical examples. Our framework establishes a multi-scalar understanding of the CE that can inform both empirical research approaches and policy making at different levels on how to rethink global entanglements and drive circularity-oriented changes.