Breaking the barriers to the circular economy
Contrary to what experts in the sustainable sector think, the circular economy is still a niche that is not well known by the wider public. This is the main conclusion in this white paper, drawn up by Utrecht University and the accounting and advisory agency Deloitte.
For this research, a survey with 153 businesses, 55 government officials and expert interviews with forty-seven thought leaders on the circular economy from businesses, governments, academia and NGOs have been carried out. Two types of barriers emerged as main barriers. Firstly, there are the cultural barriers of lacking consumer interest and awareness as well as a hesitant company culture. Secondly, market barriers emerged as a core category of barriers, particularly low virgin material prices and high upfront investments costs for circular business models.