Circular economy: A new standard for sustainable business

Abstract

In times of environmental collapse and waste, it is essential to adopt a circular economy, focused on reducing, reusing, restoring, and regenerating materials and energy within closed circuits. The current linear economic model is not sustainable and has reached its limit. It is driven by a philosophy of extracting–making–using–discarding products and energy, which threatens the stability of economies and the integrity of natural resources. The circular economy emerges as a new standard for resource extraction and production, through integrated productive chains. This new standard can generate opportunities as well as socio-economic and environmental benefits, both for society and for organizations. Therefore, it can be considered an economy based on a restorative and regenerative use of natural resources. The works indicated here fill conceptual gaps in the circular economy within the field of Administration. They suggest possibilities for research themes and questions on reverse flows of materials and energy, as well as practices of circularity that can be adopted in organizational environments. Such a bibliography can contribute to the formulation of public policies not only directed to waste management, but also to product and system design. This text addresses topics such as the preservation of natural capital, optimization of resources, minimization of environmental risks, and management of finite stocks and renewable flows. Incorporating these themes and practices into the daily routines of organizations can strengthen business through sustainability.