Ellen MacArthur Foundation Guide to Circularity

The butterfly diagram is a core visual framework in the guide that illustrates the two main cycles of a circular economy: the biological cycle and the technical cycle. The biological cycle deals with materials that can safely return to nature, while the technical cycle involves reusing, repairing, and recycling synthetic materials. It emphasizes keeping products in use to preserve value and eliminate waste.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation was founded in 2010 by Dame Ellen MacArthur, a record-breaking solo sailor. Her experiences at sea exposed her to the finite nature of resources, inspiring her to rethink global systems. The foundation works with businesses, governments, and academia to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

The guide explains that recycling is often a last resort, as it usually degrades material quality and requires significant energy. A circular economy, on the other hand, prioritizes maintaining the highest value of products through reuse, repair, and remanufacturing before recycling is even considered. The goal is to design out waste entirely rather than just managing it.

The three principles are to eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials at their highest value, and regenerate nature. These principles shift the focus from the traditional take-make-waste linear model to a restorative system. The guide provides detailed examples of how businesses can apply these concepts to their supply chains.