3 Principles of Circular Economy

Established by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the 3 Principles of Circular Economy represent a systemic shift from reactive "end-of-pipe" treatments to a proactive industrial metabolism. 

This framework ensures that infrastructure serves as a high-value material bank rather than a future waste liability by focusing on three core pillars:

• Design out waste and pollution: Eliminating environmental impacts at the architectural stage rather than managing them at the "end-of-pipe."
• Keep products and materials in use: Circulating resources at their highest utility through high-durability engineering and remanufacturing.
• Regenerate natural systems: Shifting from the 3R "do less harm" mindset to actively restoring natural capital.

Q: How does the Circular Economy differ from traditional 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)?

A: While 3R often manages waste at the "end-of-pipe," the Circular Economy eliminates waste at the design stage, ensuring materials remain at their highest value throughout their lifecycle.

Q: What is the strategic benefit of moving away from "end-of-pipe" solutions?

A: It reduces regulatory risks and long-term costs by converting waste liabilities into resilient material assets, decoupling business growth from finite resource consumption.

Q: Why is "Regenerating Natural Systems" a business priority?

A: It moves beyond "doing less harm" to actively restoring ecosystems, which enhances supply chain stability and aligns with global climate-neutrality mandates.