The circular economy: A €4.1 trillion opportunity?

The 'circular economy' has become one of the most used phrases in business. It refers to all the work involved in recycling, reducing waste and creating new sustainable jobs.

The World Economic Forum cites figures from the consultancy firm Accenture, which says the job of introducing such changes could represent a market worth €4.1 trillion between now and 2030.

The International Labour Office estimates that transitioning to a circular economy could create six million jobs worldwide as companies get to grips with replacing traditional ways of making money by “extracting, making, using and disposing”.

Circularity also brings with it the promise of efficiency. Accenture, predicts that car makers taking a circular approach to manufacturing could enjoy a 150% boost in profits.

So does the reality justify the buzz? In this edition of The Exchange we talk to the people and players who believe the circular economy is a way to create sustainable growth and also generate profit.

We speak to Nestle, the world’s biggest food and beverage company about how they are leading a worldwide transformation in recycling, sustainable job creation and waste reduction.

In France, we visit what Renault claims is Europe’s first fully circular auto factory.

And we also speak to the Design Lead at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a charity that’s working to accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

One famous company wrapped up in this quest for sustainability is Nestlé. The maker of Nespresso, San Pellegrino and Kit-Kat is the largest food and beverages company in the world. The 150-year-old firm has over a quarter of a million employees, hundreds of factories and sells products in 186 different countries. So how can Nestlé make sure that business