large_switch logo.png

medium_switch logo.png

small_switch logo.png

thumbnail_switch logo.png

switch logo.png

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

![Switch_logo_2022_with_space-01 (1).png](https://goldilocks-images.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/Switch_logo_2022_with_space_01_1_c270c8218c.png)





medium_switch_logo_circle-01.jpg

small_switch_logo_circle-01.jpg

thumbnail_switch_logo_circle-01.jpg

switch_logo_circle-01.jpg

Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains

large_SWITCH KH cover image.jpg

medium_SWITCH KH cover image.jpg

small_SWITCH KH cover image.jpg

thumbnail_SWITCH KH cover image.jpg

SWITCH KH cover image.jpg

Business case

Impact on the ease of innovation, and facilitating uptake of innovations

Innovation

Reduced use of virgin materials and/or an increase of the use of secondary and bio-based materials

Reduce Material Consumption (SDG12)

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)

Producing textile and leather products and processing them into apparel and accessories

Fashion and Textiles

Providing goods on the Internet, through mail order, or television, or providing goods in stores, including apparel, electronics, furniture, food and drug, etc.

Retail

Using materials that can be easily reused or recycled after use

Reusable, recyclable materials and inputs

Collection programmes that process products and parts for reuse or recycling within the same industry

Closed loop collection

Transforming waste products, materials for reuse within the same industry

Closed loop upcycling

Using waste materials that have been processed and recycled to produce new products within other industries

Using open loop recycled materials

Selling high quality, long-lasting products

Sale of durable, long-lasting goods

Designing products with a single material type to more easily recycle them after use

Design for recycling - mono-materials

Working together with stakeholders and parties in other unrelated industries to implement circular economy strategies and opportunities

Cross-industry projects, pilots

Takeback and return of products from customers after end-of-use

Takeback programmes

Impacts

small_climate-4803653_640.jpg

thumbnail_climate-4803653_640.jpg

climate-4803653_640.jpg

Industries

small_coast-wind-turbine-sea-sky.jpg

thumbnail_coast-wind-turbine-sea-sky.jpg

coast-wind-turbine-sea-sky.jpg

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

large_photo-1515534238346-fb9ae3e399d0.jpg

medium_photo-1515534238346-fb9ae3e399d0.jpg

small_photo-1515534238346-fb9ae3e399d0.jpg

thumbnail_photo-1515534238346-fb9ae3e399d0.jpg

photo-1515534238346-fb9ae3e399d0.jpg

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

Our trailblazing Circular Series of fully recyclable jackets has been recognised with the prestigious CRADLE TO CRADLE CERTIFIED® Gold certification, the World’s most advanced standard for safe, circular and responsible materials and products. This is how we want to play our part. This is how we choose future. With outstanding results that change the game not just for us, but for the fashion industry as a whole: this certification sets an important precedent as no previous brand has succeeded to develop a fully circular system in just fourteen months, and effectively involving, reviewing and innovating of all the tiers of our Circular Series technical cycle. Sounds complicated? Let's have a look at what this means in practice. 

Our trailblazing Circular Series of fully recyclable jackets has been recognised with the prestigious Cradle to Cradle Certified® Gold certification, the World’s most advanced standard for safe, circular and responsible materials and products.This is how we want to play our part. This is how we choose future.With outstanding results that change the game not just for us, but for the fashion industry as a whole: this certification sets an important precedent as no previous brand has succeeded to develop a fully circular system in just fourteen months, and effectively involving, reviewing and innovating of all the tiers of our Circular Series' technical cycle.Sounds complicated? Let's have a look at what this means in practice.

medium_blob

small_blob

thumbnail_blob

blob

Aquafil has been a leading yarn manufacturer for over 50 years and is committed to the research of new production models for sustainable development.
This commitment to research and development leads to the regular renewal of processes and products thanks to continuous investments of capital and knowledge. All regenerated yarns by Aquafil are grouped under the ECONYL® brand. These yarns offer the same quality and performance as standard Nylon 6 but with incredible environmental benefits because they come from regenerated waste and are 100% endlessly regenerable.


Aquafil 

Napapijri was born in 1987 in the shadow of Europe’s highest peak, Mont Blanc, where an Italian manufacturer of travel bags gave outdoor apparel a new meaning by combining innovative materials and close attention to style. 

Napapijri

<p>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.</p>