Global circular economy: Reflections for a just transition

A circular economy can help prevent the severe impacts of our resource consumption and can be a solution to the massive dependence on raw materials from other countries. The EU has proposed several circular economy measures since the launch of its Circular Economy Action Plan in 2015, including a Sustainable Products Initiative, addressing the product design, and a 'Right to Repair'. With this study, we would like to take a closer look at the various facets of a circular economy and to raise awareness of potential pitfalls in terms of equity and increasing inequalities, identify different solutions and initiate a debate on how we can collectively create a fair and effective global circular economy.