The Global Circularity Gap Report 2023 has revealed that the global economy is currently only 7.2% circular. This means that of all the materials used in our economy across the world, only 7.2% of them are secondary, or recycled. This number has shrunk from 9.1% in 2018, meaning that as the population grows, we are extracting and producing more virgin materials, while also accumulating and wasting more.
This is the result of the current linear 'take-make-waste' economy that impacts how much we are overshooting - taking more from the planet than it can provide or regenerate, and deteriorating its natural resources. The report also finds that in a circular economy, the entire world population's needs could be fulfilled with just 70% of the materials currently being used. This, inevitably, also assumes a behavioural change: repairing and using items through their entire life cycle, borrowing rather than purchasing new, and essentially consuming less. It is all captured in the simple infographic from the report:
Credit: Global Circularity Gap Report 2023
This report uses the framework of planetary boundaries to measure the extent of the current overshoot and to calculate how certain crucial changes would positively impact the nine planetary areas.
If you wish to read the report, you can find it here. You can also read 'Doughnut Economics' by Kate Raworth and 'Breaking Boundaries' by Johan Rockström and Owen Gaffney for more information about circular economy and planetary boundaries, respectively.