Key Idea: Topic 6.8 examines how businesses adopt circular economy principles to reduce waste, extend product lifecycles, and create sustainable value chains. Students evaluate the business case for circularity and compare linear and circular models in terms of environmental and economic outcomes.
Key Exam Takeaways
- Linear = take, make, dispose (wasteful). Circular = reuse, repair, recycle (sustainable)
- FIVE named models: circular supply, resource recovery, product life extension, sharing, product service system
- Circular supply = renewable/recyclable inputs in a loop
- Resource recovery = extracting useful materials from waste
- Product life extension = repair, refurbish, repurpose to extend use
- Sharing = multiple users share one product (not always suitable!)
- Product service system = sell the service/function, not the product
- Know when each model DOES and DOES NOT apply
- Benefits: lower costs, better reputation, future-proofing. Challenges: high investment, complexity
- Sustainability = meeting today's needs without harming future generations
- Strategies: energy efficiency, waste reduction, digital delivery, ethical sourcing, green packaging
- CSR = taking responsibility for social and environmental impact
- Business case: saves costs, attracts customers, meets regulations, builds reputation
- Exam questions often ask you to evaluate sustainability vs short-term profits