The Circular Economy / Recyling

Learning Zone Resources -
A Tool Kit for Sustainable Marketers

Completed our 100 Points Challenge yet? These resources support you with your Sustainable Marketer Manifesto commitments. Aim to reach the minimum 100 points of knowledge to achieve your Sustainable Marketer Certification. We recognise it’s self-certification, and it’s down to you to do the learning - but that’s where it starts… with education and growing your own awareness. Keep checking back in - as we add resources weekly

Marketing Playbook for a Circular Economy, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
15 pts

The marketing playbook for a circular economy is designed to help marketers navigate the challenges and opportunities of shifting to a circular economy. The circular economy offers a wealth of opportunities to marketers to increase brand value, strengthen relationships with customers, and deliver on business goals. Read more

Circular Economy Case Studies - via Knowledge Hub Circle Lab
5 pts

In a LinkedIn conversation, Catherine Weetman just a few weeks ago, stated that only 8% of people were aware of a directory of circular economy case studies. Effectively, a circular economy shared knowledge base. More info can be found by visiting: https://knowledge-hub.circle-lab.com/

Edie.net have created yet another brilliant resource. Simple to read and highly informative their 12 pg guide to understanding The Circular Economy. It’s packed with plenty of facts, stats, examples and advice for getting started. We found this guide to be concise and super useful - a great starting point - so we just had to share it. Download now

Circular Economy Handbook - by Catherine Weetman 25pts

Award-winning author Catherine Weetman explains the what, why and how of the circular economy. The book covers the main schools of thought and latest research, with over 300 examples from businesses of all shapes and sizes, around the world.

Published by Kogan Page in November 2020, the second edition of A Circular Economy Handbook: How to Build a More Resilient, Competitive and Sustainable Business is both easily digestible and comprehensive. Read more

Catherine Weetman interviews inspiring people who are making the circular economy happen.

With over 50+ podcasts there’s plenty of opportunity to explore how the circular economy makes a better business (and a better world): for you, your partners, and your customers. View podcast

Can Marketing Save the Planet Podcast with Catherine Weetman -
5 pts

In this absolutely knowledge packed interview, filled with case studies and practical advice, Catherine generously takes us through the basic principles of the circular economy, before we hit the many complexities around sustainability and discuss different practical approaches - selling services rather than ownership, making products that are more durable and using different sustainably sourced materials. Listen here.

A Better Cup for All - Case Study Starbucks
5 pts

Starbucks is the first and only national coffeehouse in the U.S. to offer customers the option to use their clean personal cup for every visit at company-owned stores, including drive-thru and when they make a mobile order. See how it works and learn more about our sustainable packaging initiatives and goals.

Learn more.

The Circularity Gap Report - 2024
15 pts

The 2024 report lays out a roadmap for ambitious change to unlock capital, roll out bold policies and close the skills gap.

The circular economy is now extremely well known: the volume of discussions, debates and articles on it has almost tripled over the past five years. Unfortunately, the rate of global circularity is falling. The share of secondary materials consumed by the global economy actually decreased from 9.1% in 2018 to 7.2% in 2023 - a 21% drop in five years.

Download here.

The Plastic Crisis - The Myths of Plastics Recyling and Bio-plastics
10 pts

Half of all plastics have been made in the last 20 years. And to date, most ‘recycled’ plastic still ends up being dumped or incinerated. One million single-use plastic drink bottles are purchased every minute - and only 1% of recycled plastic ends up back in use.

The only solution is to reduce the production of plastic. Opting for viable alternatives.

View the full infographic / research.

Also - for a wider conversation about this topic, expert opinions and innovations - this LinkedIn conversation is really useful.