circular economy

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "circular economy" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to an economic system in which materials and resources are used, reused, and recycled to their full value in order to reduce waste. For example, "The company is transitioning to a circular economy model, where all materials and products are reused or recycled to reduce their environmental impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

These processes essentially create a circular economy.

The Guardian

The circular economy is taking off.

The Guardian

Circular economy progress across different sectors.

The Guardian

Circular economy companies' investment requirements are twofold.

The Guardian

The economic benefits of a circular economy.

The Guardian

Could the circular economy become a reality?

The Guardian

Philips is championing the circular economy.

The Guardian

It's called the circular economy, apparently.

The Guardian - Tech

Developing complex, circular economy systems takes time.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Nonetheless, circular-economy networks are too small.

Nature

Circular-economy concepts are more often celebrated than critiqued.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about the "circular economy", be specific about which aspects you're addressing (e.g., product design, waste management, consumer behavior) to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "circular economy" as a mere synonym for recycling. The "circular economy" encompasses a broader systemic shift, including production, consumption, and waste management, not just end-of-life recycling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "circular economy" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes an economic model or system. As Ludwig AI indicates, it refers to an economy where materials are reused and recycled.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

16%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "circular economy" is a noun phrase widely used to describe a sustainable economic model focused on resource efficiency and waste reduction. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and refers to a system where materials are continuously reused and recycled. This phrase is commonly found in news and media, academic research, and business contexts, highlighting its relevance across various sectors. While often associated with recycling, it's crucial to remember that the "circular economy" encompasses a broader approach that includes product design, consumption patterns, and waste management. Understanding the nuances of the "circular economy" is essential for effective communication about sustainability and responsible resource management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closed-loop system

Highlights the closed nature of the system, minimizing waste and leakage.

regenerative economy

Focuses on the regenerative aspect of economic activities, going beyond just maintaining resources.

cradle-to-cradle design

Focuses on designing products with the end-of-life in mind, aiming for reuse or recycling.

resource循環

This alternative directly translates the concept, emphasizing the cycle of resource utilization.

環保經濟

This alternative directly translates the concept, emphasizing the eco-friendly aspect of economy.

環状経済

This alternative directly translates the concept, emphasizing the cycle aspect of economy.

循環型経済

This alternative directly translates the concept, emphasizing the cycle-based economy.

zero-waste system

Focuses on eliminating waste altogether through various strategies.

sustainable resource management

Emphasizes the sustainability aspect of managing resources effectively.

resource efficiency

Highlights the efficient use of resources to minimize waste and environmental impact.

FAQs

What exactly does "circular economy" mean?

The "circular economy" is an economic system aimed at eliminating waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems, moving away from the traditional linear "take-make-dispose" model.

How does a "circular economy" differ from a traditional linear economy?

A traditional linear economy follows a “take-make-dispose” model, while a "circular economy" focuses on keeping resources in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value from them while in use, then recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of each service life.

What are some practical examples of the "circular economy" in action?

Examples include product leasing models where companies retain ownership and responsibility for maintenance and end-of-life management, industrial symbiosis where waste from one process becomes feedstock for another, and designing products for disassembly and reuse of components.

What are some alternative phrases to "circular economy"?

While /s/circular+economy is the most common term, you could use phrases like "regenerative economy", "closed-loop system", or "resource 循環" depending on the specific context and emphasis.