This report by the Circular Jobs Initiative finds that combining the social and the circular economy agendas can facilitate an inclusive, just and safe labour market. Based on case studies of social enterprises and cooperatives engaged in circular activities, the report explores how the circular economy can benefit from integrating and collaborating with social economy organisations. While the social aspects of the circular economy remain under-explored, the social economy holds vital expertise that is needed to create the conditions, frameworks, and protections to ensure a just transition to circularity. The report provides recommendations for entrepreneurs, local and national policymakers to help them understand how they can be part of an ethical and inclusive circular economy.

Case studies include:

- Makers Unite, a creative platform and social enterprise that works with skilled newcomers in the Netherlands with a refugee background to create sustainable products from upcycled waste products.

- Payoga-Kapatagan, a cooperative in the North Philippines that works with farmers in the local area to adopt organic farming methods and technology.

- Koopera-Innovacion Social y Ambiental, a second-tier cooperative in Spain and Chile with three business lines: environmental services (reuse and recycling), second-hand store, and personal and home care.