Topic 2 From new raw materials to value preservation

The circular system and the linear system differ from each other in the way in which value is created or maintained.

A linear economy traditionally follows the “take-make-dispose” step-by-step plan.

This means that raw materials are collected, then transformed into products that are used until they are finally discarded as waste.

Value is created in this economic system by producing and selling as many products as possible.

The large reuse of raw materials in a circular economy (PBL, 2019a).