In a world increasingly affected by climate change, resource depletion, and unsustainable production patterns, the idea of a circular economy (CE) has gained momentum as a promising alternative to the traditional “take-make-dispose” economic model. But what does the circular economy mean? Why does it matter now more than ever? And what stands in its way?
In my recent article, published in Discover Sustainability (https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01606-x), I explore these questions through a comprehensive and systematic review of the literature from 2017 to 2025. The goal? To uncover what we know, what we’re missing, and where we go next in building a truly sustainable economic future.