The circular economy is a system where waste is designed out, everything is used at its highest possible value, for as long as possible, and natural systems are regenerated. A circular economy envisions and enables a society that is as resource efficient as possible, and where there is no waste, only resources.

In traditional take-make-waste economic models, raw materials are collected and transformed into products that consumers use until they get discarded as waste. This model of consumption is a so-called linear economy where materials only move in one direction.

Circular economy is not just about recycling, it allows us to use what we have efficiently and for as long as possible, making it a more sustainable, renewable and resilient model. 

In the Nordic countries, we like to think of ourselves as environmentally friendly and sustainable—we recycle, return our bottles and choose electric vehicles. Yet, when our circularity has been measured, it falls dramatically short of the world average. Sweden’s Circularity Metric is 3.4%, while Norway’s is even lower at 2.4%. This reflects high levels of consumption, sparse populations and thriving extraction industries. In comparison, the world average circularity is 8.6%.

The Nordic region has tremendous circular potential. Circular economy can become the new Nordic brand and by positioning Nordics as a leading region in it, we can claim a strong position in the future markets.

We need to change our system to take care of our planet. Taking better care of our nature and improving resource resilience is very important for a region surrounded by nature. Circular economy has the potential to strengthen our local and regional economies and value chains, introduce new and more resilient business models, as well as create inclusive cities and markets for the future.