10 Real-World Examples of Circular Economy in Action

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The traditional “take, make, waste” model is no longer sustainable. As climate change accelerates and natural resources dwindle, a new model is gaining momentum: the circular economy.

Instead of a linear system where products are disposed of after use, the circular economy focuses on designing products and systems that reuse, repair, and recycle resources, minimising waste and regenerating nature.

In this article, we’ll explore 10 real-world examples of how businesses, cities, and individuals are putting circular economy principles into action, and simple ways you can join the movement too.

In this Article

1. Patagonia’s Worn Wear Program

What it is:

Patagonia’s Worn Wear initiative encourages customers to repair, reuse, and resell their gear instead of discarding it. They offer free repairs and sell refurbished outdoor clothing at lower prices.

Circular principle:

Extending the life of products.
Reducing new production needs.

Try it yourself:

Extend the life of your own gear with a simple repair kit like this one to patch up jackets, backpacks, and shoes at home!

2. Loop: Reusable Packaging Platform

What it is:

Loop partners with major brands to offer everyday products, from shampoo to ice cream in reusable containers that customers return, refill, and reuse.

Circular principle:

Waste elimination at the design level.
Reuse over single-use packaging.

Try it yourself:

Start small with your own reusable storage with options like these stainless steel containers for home use.

3. IKEA’s Buy-Back and Resell Program

What it is:

IKEA now buys back gently used furniture from customers and resells it in special sections of their stores. They aim to become a fully circular company by 2030.

Circular principle:

Product reuse and rethinking ownership models.

At home idea:

Extend the life of your furniture with sustainable maintenance tools like wood furniture repair kit instead of replacing items frequently.

4. TerraCycle: Recycling the Unrecyclable

What it is:

TerraCycle collects items that are traditionally hard to recycle (like toothpaste tubes, snack wrappers, and cigarette butts) and finds innovative ways to reuse the materials.

Circular principle:

Closing recycling gaps.
Redesigning waste streams.

5. Amsterdam’s Circular City Plan

What it is:

Amsterdam has adopted an ambitious city-wide goal to create a fully circular economy by 2050, focusing on construction, food systems, and consumer goods.

Circular principle:

City-scale systemic change.
Prioritizing renewable resources and regenerative processes.

6. Fairphone: Ethical, Repairable Smartphones

What it is:

Fairphone designs modular smartphones that are easy to repair and upgrade, extending the device’s lifespan far beyond traditional phones.

Circular principle:

Designing for longevity.
Promoting right-to-repair movements.

7. Ellen MacArthur Foundation

What it is:

A global organisation driving education, research, and practical projects that promote circular economy models across industries like fashion, food, and finance.

Circular principle:

Education and systemic transformation.

8. Adidas’ Futurecraft Loop Shoes

What it is:

Adidas created a fully recyclable running shoe the Futurecraft Loop, designed to be returned to the company and remade into new shoes again and again.

Circular principle:

Designing products for continuous loops.
Material recovery and product reincarnation.

9. Composting Programs in Major Cities

What it is:

Cities like San Francisco and Toronto have made composting food waste mandatory, helping turn organic scraps into valuable soil rather than filling landfills.

Circular principle:

Turning waste into regenerative resources.

Start at home:

Capture food scraps easily with a kitchen countertop compost bin, it’s an easy first step toward a more circular lifestyle.

10. Repair Cafés Around the World

What it is:

Repair Cafés are community meetups where volunteers help people repair everything from clothes to electronics, teaching skills and saving items from the trash.

Circular principle:

Empowering local repair and reuse.
Building community resilience.

Why the Circular Economy Matters More Than Ever

These real-world examples show that a circular economy isn’t just theory, it’s already happening in businesses, cities, and homes around the world. By supporting companies that prioritise reuse, choosing products designed to last, and learning basic repair skills, you can be part of this critical shift.

Remember every small action contributes to a larger movement towards a healthier planet, and it often starts with one sustainable choice at a time.

Quick Recap: Easy Circular Swaps You Can Make Today

Durable repair kits for backpacks, jackets and shoes.
Stainless steel storage containers for food and home organization
Eco-friendly cleaning and maintenance products for furniture.
Compost bins for easy kitchen composting

Each choice moves us closer to a world where waste is minimised, resources are respected, and the planet can thrive.

Planet Pulse