A new global circularity metric has revealed that over 90% of the raw materials used globally are not cycled back into the economy, putting a massive strain on the planet’s natural resources.

This alarming statistic was the focal point of the first Circularity Gap Report, in which Circle Economy explores a metric for the circular state of the planet, which allows us to start measuring yearly progress to bridge the gap between what we use and what we cycle.

Harald Friedl Circle Economy’s CEO and co-author says being able to track and target performance via the Global Circularity Metric will help us engage in uniform goal-setting and guide future action in the most meaningful way.

A take-make-waste economic model

The report presents a detailed metabolism visual showing how main resource groups satisfy key societal needs, such as housing, mobility and nutrition. It also presents the leaks in the system with an overview of what happens to resources after use in the economy.

The report further highlights UN Environment statistics showing that a fully circular economy would both reduce global natural resource use by 28% and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 72% – thus significantly supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Friedl notes: “Today’s Take-Make-Waste economic model is not fit for purpose. The linear economy presents a toxic cocktail of negative consequences, ranging from social inequality, to depletion of natural resources, environmental pollution and worsening of the risks and effects of climate change.

“We call upon businesses and governments to take leadership to develop an action agenda and contribute to the global targets set in the SDGs and the Paris Agreement.”