The need to broaden the discourse around circular economy and challenging the mainstream view that relies on decoupling growth from production and consumption, seem undebatable to the authors of “Design for a Sustainable Circular Economy”. They emphasize the importance of reimagining the role of design in achieving a sustainable circular economy, advocating for a holistic approach that includes policy design. Articulating clear principles for sustainability within the circular economy framework and underscoring the role of circular design in inspiring creativity and entrepreneurship toward a more environmentally friendly civilization, is called a necessity. The authors call for a collaborative effort to expand the scope of circular design across various sectors to effectively transition toward a sustainable circular economy. The project was supported by a fellowship of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).
Eleven chapters shape the discourse about Circular Economy, belonging to six major topics:
- Frameworks and Principles for Designing a Sustainable Circular Economy are introduced, which challenge mainstream narratives.
- The role of Design in Transitioning to Circular Systems is emphasized by highlighting insights from environmental science, behavioral psychology, and societal transformation efforts.
- Methods and Frameworks for Guiding Circular Design Decisions like the "resource pressure" method are explained.
- Challenges and Solutions in Specific Industries, such as cosmetics packaging and consumer behavior are highlighted, to address resource use and promote sustainable circular practices.
- The thematized Manufacturer Perceptions and Systemic Issues, highlight the need to address broader systemic issues beyond manufacturing alone to achieve sustainable circular economy goals.
- Behavioral Science is discussed to be integrated in Public Policy Experiments, aiming to inform the transition to a circular economy.