"Many companies have already embraced circular economy principles in their operations."

System shocks tend to compel the private sector to reimagine the future of business, innovate, assess supply chains, and create value in the midst of uncertainty. This shift has been well documented under COVID-19 and will continue to be felt as the world tackles the Earth’s planetary boundaries. A circular economy – centered on principles that economies can be regenerative by design, retain as much value from products and materials, and simultaneously mitigate the climate impacts associated with manufacturing – can likewise help the private sector recover the US$4.5 trillion wasted in the current take-make-waste consumer model. 

In this inaugural session of this learning series on ‘Circular Economy and Private Sector Development’, we invite global leaders and practitioners invested in a private sector-led transition to a circular economy, explore questions of its economic viability, contribution to resilience, and impact on applicable Sustainable Development Goals.