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Understanding circular economy
What is circular economy?
There is no single answer to this question. Ask materials scientists, engineers, economists or product designers, and each will have their own definition and approach. The circular economy is not a fixed concept; it thrives on the diversity of disciplines and a holistic perspective. It spans the entire life cycle—from raw material extraction and processing through production, logistics, and consumption, all the way to recycling. The ultimate goal is to create a regenerative system where valuable materials remain in use for as long as possible, are continuously reused, and are successfully reintegrated into new products and applications at the end of their service life.
The circular economy has many facets.
Discover them with UniGR-CIRKLA.
Through a variety of learning formats, participants gain insights into the green steel transition in the Greater Region, strategies for managing electronic waste, circular business models, and the role of metals and materials in industry and everyday life. Whether you are a school student, university student, doctoral researcher, or entrepreneur, UniGR-CIRKLA is designed for all those eager to discover the key principles of the circular economy and actively apply them in different contexts.
Disciplines
Delving into the world of circular economy means connecting different perspectives and looking at transformations through the lens of diverse academic disciplines.
- Materials Science
- Engineering Sciences
- Geosciences
- Economics and Business Studies
- Environmental and Social Sciences
Dynamics
The transition towards a circular economy requires systems thinking.
Taking a holistic view helps us understand the interactions between processes, technologies, and societal factors, and identify new areas of expertise.
- Digitalisation
- Logistics & Value Creation
- Circular Business Models
- Materials & Composites
- Sustainable Construction
- Industry 4.0
- Consumption & Society
Methods
How do we make the circular economy measurable, plannable, and actionable? A variety of concepts and indicators help reveal untapped potential and shape sustainable, long-term solutions.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- BIM (Building Information Modeling) and Digital Twins
- Urban Mining
- Product-Service Systems (PSS)
- Digital Product Passport
