How can the circular economy support the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)? A comprehensive analysis

Abstract

As the Circular Economy (CE) moves up in the agenda of research, policy, and businesses, understanding its impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) becomes more important. This research analyzed the potential impact that 27 circularity strategies have on each of the 17 SDGs and their associated 169 targets. The results suggest that CE strategies can contribute to all SDGs, but most effectively to SDGs 8, 12, and 13, and least to SDGs 4, 5, 10, and 16. However, for these relationships to exist, CE strategies must follow one or more of the seven pathways that have been identified: 1) Reduced, traceable extraction; 2) Regenerative, biobased production; 3) Human inclusive industries; 4) Shareable longevity; 5) Consumers at the center, not consumerism; 6) Clean and effective end of life, and 7) Reduced and clean energy and transport. Among them, pathways 2, 4, and 6 proved to be the most influential, accounting for 66 % of the potential contributions to the SDGs. Conversely, the results of this analysis revealed that, while the CE mostly focuses on products and materials, the SDGs emphasize people and places (the environment). The results of this research, in particular the identified pathways, can help practitioners and policymakers to evaluate the contribution of current CE approaches to the SDGs, and guide them in the design of better strategies for leveraging the potential of a CE as a transition tool to advance the SDGs. Overall, this research sets the basis for a deeper understanding of the opportunities and limitations of the Circular Economy as a framework to advance the SDGs.