Cookies are small text files stored on your device to identify you and can be used to remember user preferences and analyse traffic to further improve our website. We may share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. By clicking "Accept", you agree to the use of all cookies as described in our Cookie statement or "Do not accept" to only use cookies strictly necessary for the functioning of the site.

Wholesale Banking

Rethinking the road to the circular economy

Out with the old throwaway society, in with the new circular economy. Policymakers, academics and businesses agree, a new model is needed to tackle some of the world's major environmental challenges. But transitioning to this new model is itself fraught with challenges.

Executive summary

Moving to a circular economy would help to address some of the world’s most pressing environmental problems by reducing waste and making better use of existing resources.  

Yet businesses have been slow to embrace it, and global trends suggest things may be set to get worse, not better. 

This study highlights six major problems with the circular model compared to the current linear system, and examines the policy actions that are needed to encourage market players to get on board.

Download the report on Think