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This collection features a selection of inspiring examples of the circular economy, compiled in the context of the Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains programme (SWITCH).

Launched in 2020, SWITCH is a five-year initiative that assists EU multinational companies and their suppliers from developing countries to switch to more circular economy approaches and practices in three selected value chains: [Plastic Packaging](https://knowledge-hub.circle-lab.com/switchtocircular/search?collections=832%3D0&framework_elements__5=111), [Textile & Garments](https://knowledge-hub.circle-lab.com/switchtocircular/search?collections=832%3D0&framework_elements__5=99), and ICT and Electronics.

The overall objective of SWITCH is to support the “transformation towards a circular economy”, and to contribute to sustainable growth, low carbon and climate resilient development, decent jobs creation, and a safer, healthier and pollution-free environment.

SWITCH is co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Finland, and implemented by UNIDO, in collaboration with Chatham House, Circle Economy, and the European Investment Bank.
Learn more at www.switchtocircular.eu

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Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains

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Business case

Direct and indirect reduction in economic costs

Cost Savings

Minimise waste through diversion: Instead of sending waste to landfill, it is redirected into other industrial processes for handling, treatment, recycling, recovery, or reuse in various forms. 

Minimise waste through design: At the outset of a process of project, plan and design such that there is zero waste or minimal waste during production, use, and at end of life. 

Minimise Waste (SDG12)

Reduced use of fossil fuel energy sources and/or increased use of renewable energy

Reduce Energy Consumption

Producing basic and specialty chemicals, inks, agricultural chemical such as fertilisers and pesticides, plastics including packaging, and rubber

Chemical and Plastic

Enacting measures that optimise material use such as 3D printing, etc.

Material efficiency

Extraction and reuse of parts from end-of-life products for use in new products

Part recovery

Transforming waste products, materials for reuse within the same industry

Closed loop upcycling

Impacts

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Industries

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The principles of a circular economy concern designing out waste, regenerating ecosystems and keeping items in use. Decoupling the economy from material flows—improving the rate of resource productivity faster than the economic growth rate—is also a consistent guide. By evolving with the growing number of applications of circular economy principles, and consolidating these strategies across thematic areas, Circle Economy’s Key Elements Framework (KE) renders the elements of the circular economy salient and serves as a basis to derive contextual strategies and interventions. 


The Framework consists of:
- Core Elements: Activities directly handling product or material flows; and uniquely,
- Enabling Elements: those that remove obstacles for core actors.


Key elements of the circular economy

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Circle Economy's framework of strategies and activities that define the circular economy

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Based on the work of [Bocken et al. (2016)](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309699661_Product_design_and_business_model_strategies_for_a_circular_economy), the Four Flows Framework serves as a simple framework for managing resource flows in a circular economy by using less (Narrow), using for longer (Slow), using again (Cycle), and using clean, regenerative materials and energy (Regenerate).

These different principles of circular economy can be applied to our socioeconomic metabolism: we can design stocks like buildings, infrastructure, machinery, and vehicles to be rich resource mines for the future, and design manufactured goods and consumables to be cycled and made regenerative. Furthermore, the focus must also centre on getting more value out of fewer materials. Achieving the aims of a circular economy—minimising material use, regenerating the Earth, and preventing material losses—can be done through these four key strategies mentioned above.

Source: Circle Economy. (2023). *[The circularity gap report 2023](https://www.circularity-gap.world/2023)* (p.22). Amsterdam: Circle Economy. 

Four Flows Framework

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 We firmly believe there is a future where sustainability and plastics go together hand-in-hand. And through our continued focus and great partnerships we aim to continue developing innovations that exceed our customer’s expectations and reduce our impact on the environment.And as a company that’s just a stones throw away from the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea, we’ve very aware of our environmental footprint. It’s part of the reason why we’re continually trying to reduce our carbon output, and aiming to be a climate neutral company.Aside from our own green initiatives we also believe in fostering a strong sustainable culture by contributing to several industry wide initiatives. As Flexoplast we’re proud to be a part of the following initiatives: 

Belgium

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We offer sustainable flexible packaging film for companies that require film in bulk, from any industry. We are now part of Trioworld, a leader in plastic packaging solutions.

Flexoplast

In 2019, Carrefour Belgium launched a new range of reusable and recyclable carrier bags made from end-of-life fishing nets and ropes. Carrefour Belgium has collaborated with SEAQUAL INITIATIVE to have access to the Upcycled Marine Plastic used in making these eco-friendly bags.

Carrefour - Bags for life

California

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On a mission to eliminate single use plastics, Final launched FinalStraw in 2018. It has since launched many other alternatives to single use products such as reusable cutlery and wipes.

Final - reusable straws and products

Flexiplast is a manufacturer of flexible plastic. In order to cut enrergy and resource losses the company integrated its plant with a regranulation station to reuse its plastic waste.

Flexoplast - in-house reuse of post industrial plastic waste 

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KIVO is an experienced manufacturer of flexible plastics and the forerunner in downgauging.

KIVO - downgauging of plastic films 

Bangladesh

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Leading recycled cotton fiber producer, Recover™, has announced the official opening of its new facility in Bangladesh, expanding the company´s manufacturing capabilities and accelerating its efforts to transform the fashion industry by solving one of the world’s biggest environmental issues.

Recover™ opens Manufacturing Facility In Bangladesh

All the styles in Napapijri Circular Series are&nbsp;100% recyclable&nbsp;thanks to their&nbsp;mono-material composition. Fillings and trims are made of Nylon 6, while the fabric is made of&nbsp;ECONYL® Regenerated Nylon, a high-performance nylon 6 yarn recycled from discarded fishing nets and other waste materials.

Napapijri circular series: cradle2cradle gold certified

Italy

ReMade in Italy® is a non-profit, non-governmental organization aimed to promoting recycled products through independent thirdparty certification. ReMade in Italy® was found in 2009 and in 2013 Accredia (Italian National Accreditation Body) recognized it as the first certification scheme in Italy and Europe to verify the recycled content in a product. ReMade in Italy represents a useful tool for Public administrations and companies, to identify the recycled products for “Green public procurement”, made mandatory in Italy by the law (Legislative Decree 50/2016).

ReMade in Italy®

Turkey

Based on 45 years of textile &amp; apparel business experience, EREKS and ERA are positioned in the EU market as sustainable denim and woven garments producers &amp; exporters with a solid reputation. In 2020, EREKS and ERA reviewed their strategy and decided to GO CIRCULAR by 2030. In line with their strategy, Blue Matters Responsible Production Platform newly established by EREKS and ERA, is a fully integrated green production facility, uniquely designed to deliver sustainable and customized denim washing technology; with a development center, sustainable washing unit, sewing unit and finishing unit.

EREKS-ERA Blue Matters - circular jeans production 

Pābna

Sitting on a 10-acre plot in the Export Processing Zone in Ishwardi, Pabna, Vintage Denim Studio, part of ABA Group, is leading the way on how to save the environment while running a factory, ensure a safe workplace and reduce consumption of natural resources as much as possible, such as water, and bring down power usage as well as carbon emission.

Vintage Denim Studio Ltd. - making profits while going green

Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) is the national trade organization representing Yarn &amp; Fabric Manufacturers and Textile Product Processors mills of the country under private sector.&nbsp;1728 Member Mills broken down in 510 Yarn Manufacturing Mills, 901 Fabric Manufacturing Mills and 317 Dyeing-Printing-Finishing Mills are represented by BTMA.