How the circular economy can revive the Sustainable Development Goals

With concerns mounting over the achievability of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the circular economy is gaining attention as a potential solution for global environmental and social challenges. This concept, which involves designing economic systems to minimize waste and pollution, extend product lifespans, and regenerate natural systems, is seen as a way to support SDG progress by reducing raw material use and pollution. Currently, the circular economy remains peripheral in the UN-led sustainable development agenda, despite its transformative potential. As international discussions evolve on what framework might replace the SDGs post-2030, embedding circular economy principles within this global agenda could be a key strategy for advancing sustainable development goals.

The paper argues for scaling up and globally coordinating the circular economy to help meet SDG targets, proposing a policy blueprint for circular development through 2050. Prioritizing the circular economy within the SDG framework would benefit both, positioning the circular economy as essential for addressing pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss. To achieve this integration, five priority actions are suggested for global action up to 2030:

1. Promote inclusivity and justice: Circular economy policies must prioritize environmental justice, decent work, and stakeholder consultation, addressing issues like waste dumping in low-income countries and establishing UN guidelines on equity.
2. Enhance global coordination: A dedicated multilateral body is recommended to coordinate circular economy policies globally, akin to the UNFCCC for climate or IEA for energy.
3. Reform financial systems: Increased investment is needed for circular economy initiatives, potentially through a Global Circular Economy Fund, with multilateral development banks adjusting their mandates to support circularity.
4. Adjust global trade policies: Circular economy-enabling trade policies should be developed to ease trade in recycling and repair goods while combating issues like illegal waste dumping.
5. Develop shared standards: Common standards and metrics will support the circular economy’s expansion, requiring international cooperation on regulatory consistency across supply chains.

This blueprint aims to address fragmentation and barriers within the circular economy, driving unified and large-scale progress toward a sustainable future.