Transforming our linear take-make-waste economy into a circular system. From plastic pollution to e-waste, discover sustainable materials and waste management solutions.
Tons generated annually
Increase by 2050
Global average
Annual economic benefit
Moving from a linear "take-make-waste" model to a circular economy that keeps materials in use, regenerates nature, and eliminates waste through design.
Create products designed for durability, repairability, and end-of-life recovery from the outset.
Products built with replaceable components to extend lifespan
Ensuring consumers can fix products rather than replace them
Using renewable, biodegradable materials where possible
Maximize the useful life of products through sharing, repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing.
Car sharing, tool libraries, and peer-to-peer rental platforms
Extending product life through professional restoration
Industrial process restoring products to like-new condition
Return valuable nutrients to the biosphere and work with natural systems to create positive environmental impact.
Extract maximum value from materials at end of use
Converting organic waste into valuable soil amendments
Materials and processes that remove CO₂ from atmosphere
National circular economy program targeting 50% reduction in raw material use by 2030.
Worn Wear program repairs, refurbishes, and resells used clothing to extend product life.
Carpet manufacturer uses recycled materials and take-back programs for old carpets.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation leads global transition with 1,000+ members committed to circular economy.
Addressing the global plastic pollution crisis through reduction, alternatives, improved recycling, and policy solutions.
Since 1950, we've produced over 9 billion tons of plastic. Only 9% has been recycled, 12% incinerated, and 79% remains in landfills or the environment.
8 million tons of plastic enter oceans annually, forming garbage patches and microplastics.
Over 800 species affected by marine debris, with plastic ingestion and entanglement.
Microplastics found in drinking water, food, and even human blood and lungs.
Plastic production accounts for 3.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Water bottles, food containers
Milk jugs, detergent bottles
Pipes, credit cards
Plastic bags, squeeze bottles
Yogurt cups, bottle caps
Styrofoam, disposable cups
Mixed plastics, BPA
Only plastics #1 and #2 are widely recycled. Chemical recycling technologies are emerging to handle other types.
Comprehensive approach including single-use plastics directive and extended producer responsibility.
Historic agreement to end plastic pollution, covering full lifecycle from production to disposal.
Major brands committing to plastic reduction, reusable packaging, and recycled content.
Plastic pollution affects water systems, marine ecosystems, and urban waste management. Explore interconnected solutions.
Electronic waste is the world's fastest-growing waste stream. Addressing the complex challenge of managing valuable materials and toxic substances in our digital devices.
The world generates 54 million tons of e-waste annually, equivalent to throwing away 1,000 laptops every second.
17 elements essential for magnets, batteries, and electronics. China controls 80% of supply.
High-value metals used in circuit boards and connectors. 1 ton of phones = 340g gold.
Common metals forming the bulk of electronic devices. Highly recyclable and valuable.
Hazardous substances requiring careful handling and specialized disposal methods.
Manufacturers take responsibility for entire product lifecycle, including take-back and recycling programs.
Extracting valuable materials from e-waste is often more efficient than traditional mining.
Legislation ensuring consumers can repair devices, extending lifespan and reducing e-waste.
E-waste contains more valuable materials per ton than most ores. Proper management creates jobs, recovers resources, and protects the environment.
Addressing toxic waste, chemical pollution, and hazardous materials through prevention, treatment, and safe disposal methods.
Heavy metals, solvents, acids, and persistent organic pollutants from manufacturing.
Circuit boards, batteries, and screens contain numerous hazardous substances.
Infectious, pathological, and pharmaceutical waste requiring specialized treatment.
Nuclear power, medical isotopes, and research generate radioactive materials.
High-temperature combustion destroys organic toxics, recovers energy.
Binding heavy metals in stable compounds to prevent leaching.
Ultra-high temperature breaks down complex toxics to basic elements.
Using microorganisms to break down organic contaminants naturally.
Eliminate toxic substances at source through cleaner production
Reduce quantity and toxicity through process optimization
Destroy or neutralize hazardous properties before disposal
Engineered landfills with containment systems as last resort
"Pollution Prevention Pays" program has prevented 4M tons of pollutants since 1975.
Designing chemical products and processes that reduce or eliminate hazardous substances.
Industrial ecology where waste from one process becomes input for another.
Toxic waste management connects to water quality, urban planning, and policy frameworks. Explore comprehensive approaches.