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A Circular Economy Handbook

How to Build a More Resilient, Competitive and Sustainable Business

“This is a book for everyone in business, or who wants to shape the future of business. The circular economy is the best toolkit we have for future sustainable business and this book leads you through what it is and why so many businesses and governments are getting on board.”

Tom Szaky, Founder & CEO, TerraCycle

A Circular Economy Handbook by Catherine Weetman

WINNER – The Committee Special Prize, Les Plumes des Achats & Supply Chain

Discover how the circular economy is better for people, planet and prosperity… award-winning author Catherine Weetman guides you through the what, why and how of the circular economy.

Helping you get to grips with the theory and fast-developing practices, she explains why it’s better for our planet and society, and how businesses old and new are using it to be more competitive, resilient and sustainable.

Easily digestible and comprehensive, A Circular Economy Handbook builds on the key schools of thought and latest research, with over 300 examples from organisations of all shapes and sizes around the world.

The extensively updated second edition builds on the latest research on circular business models, plus a new chapter on packaging and an expanded Glossary, helping you get to grips with the terminology of sustainability and circularity.

How to buy

A Circular Economy Handbook is available worldwide, in paperback (492 pages), e-book or Kindle, from your local bookstore or online booksellers.

Get 20% when you buy direct from the publisher Kogan Page, using the discount code CIRCL20. Kogan Page ships worldwide (free shipping to UK and US) and also offers an e-book/paperback bundle – two for the price of one!

Bookshop.org
Bookshop.org UK
20% DISCOUNT from publisher Kogan Page!! Use code CIRCL20
Amazon.com
Amazon UK

Praise for A Circular Economy Handbook

Sector by sector, Catherine Weetman systemically unpicks why we need to build a circular economy and, crucially, complements this analysis to explain how we can do this.
Rethink Global Infinity Loop
Mike BarryFormer Director of Sustainable Business, Marks and Spencer plc
A confident, comprehensive text allowing access to all the major strands contributing to business opportunities in a circular economy. It is brimming with facts, case studies and references for further study. A very timely publication indeed!
Rethink Global Infinity Loop
Ken WebsterFormer Head of Innovation, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
As the world adopts strategies to address the stress that the planet is under, more organizations are realizing that their knowledge and skills need updating and developing. A key aspect of this new sustainable approach is understanding where stuff comes from, how a business uses it and what happens to stuff after its first life. This is where the circular economy comes in and this book provides a range of knowledge inputs, across a number of key sectors and uses business examples which allow any organization to develop new pathways forwards.
Rethink Global Infinity Loop
Dr. David PeckAssociate Professor, Circular Built Environment and Critical Materials, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), The Netherlands
A very good guide, avoiding jargon and bringing concepts to life with clear explanations and concrete examples. It covers everything you need to know about ‘going circular’ but also goes further, reviewing criticisms and setting the bar higher.
Rethink Global Infinity Loop
Stephan SicarsManaging Director, Directorate of Environment and Energy, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Catherine provides rich insight into the business opportunity of the circular economy. The Circular Economy Handbook covers various company cases and frameworks which are of great practical value to those looking for inspiration. It is a great resource for organisations aiming to close the ‘idea-action gap’ to accelerate the transition towards a circular economy!
Rethink Global Infinity Loop
Professor Nancy BockenProfessor in Sustainable Business, Maastricht Sustainability Institute, School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University
When considering the change of gear from a linear to a circular economy, and the need to accelerate this transition, then this handbook delivers on all levels. A well-versed specialist, Catherine describes the themes, measurements and outcomes in a non-technical manner shining a light and giving practical guidance to implementing this change.
Rethink Global Infinity Loop
Steve HaskewStrategic Sustainability Executive, Circular Computing
Every business leader and University should include this book in their programme for the next generation of aspiring professionals. In this latest edition, Catherine provides even more case studies in the constantly evolving landscape of circular economy developments around the world. A clear and comprehensive ‘must-read’ for any seasoned or aspiring circular economy or supply chain professional... there are key takeaways and learnings to help any business transition towards a more circular world. Highly recommended!'
Rethink Global Infinity Loop
Noreen Kam Founder & CEO, LUP Global
A perfect mix of theory and practical arguments to convince the reader that our future is circular. We must think differently, create new business rules, values and attitudes. With an outstanding compilation of cases, Catherine demonstrates how to find the right balance between growth, competitive advantage and value creation for all. Essential reading for political and businesses leaders, in countries like Brazil, that seek knowledge and inspiration to accelerate the transition.
Rethink Global Infinity Loop
Beatriz LuzFounder of Exchange 4 Change Brasil, NEC and Visiting Professor at FIA
Ensuring that the transition to a new economic model takes place under the best possible conditions is no easy task. Thanks to Catherine Weetman and her contributors, this book once again solidifies the foundations and reinforces the credibility of a circular economy helping us to move towards this paradigm shift that we all wish for. This is now your tool to change everything for the better. Use and reuse it, then pass on to others!
Rethink Global Infinity Loop
Alexandre LemilleThe Circular Humansphere
I truly believe that awakening a taste for change - and making it happen - requires a good understanding of the circular economy while being already immersed in its practicality. It is precisely what this unique handbook does, thanks to its collection of content, its structure, and its perspective. Indeed, it provides a wealth of information gathered in one place: a straightforward way to learn fast and get inspired. Expert without falling into jargon, Catherine Weetman makes the Circular Economy attractive to anyone!
Rethink Global Infinity Loop
Colienne RegoutCEO, Look4Loops, Canada
Making the shift towards a circular economy model can be a huge challenge. Catherine’s book is useful to what’s needed most in this day and age: getting into action and shifting the existing paradigm. The book offers a range of insights and tools to help you make that shift, and deliver value along the way. Have fun, use it and join, please, our global community of change-makers.
Rethink Global Infinity Loop
Harald FriedlGlobal Advisor, Systems Change and Circular Economy
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More about A Circular Economy Handbook...

As we discover more about the climate and biodiversity crisis, it is clear that how we make and consume things is a major part of the problem. Extraction and processing of materials, fuels and food makes up about half of global greenhouse gas emissions and over 90% of biodiversity loss and water stress. In other words, nearly every modern business is depleting resources, destroying ecosystems and dumping waste and pollution at every stage – harming human health along the way.

We’re reaching critical tipping points: it feels like sustainability and profitable business are incompatible, and yet we must provide good standards of living for all, without trashing our home planet…

The circular economy offers a way to unlock this: helping businesses rethink product design, material choices, business models and supply chains, so they can provide engaging, affordable products and services AND reduce their resource consumption and environmental footprints.

Catherine’s Circular Economy Framework 2.0 highlights where to intervene, and what to change so we can create more, from less. Get inspired by hundreds of examples from disruptors and established businesses, from every sector around the world. 

Catherine answers your big questions… How does it really work for business? What are the key issues with ‘business as usual’? What are the emerging trends and circular approaches for food, fashion, consumer technology, packaging and other sectors? How do these reduce risk, improve resilience and build profitable, future-fit organizations?

A Circular Economy Handbook is a must-read for anyone who wants to get to grips with the circular economy, today.

A Circular Economy Handbook guides you through the concepts and the practicalities

Catherine Weetman helps you get clear on the issues and evolving solutions for a range of sectors, highlighting why we need system-scale change (not just ‘circular materials’).

Overview of the structure for A Circular Economy Handbook

More about Catherine Weetman

Catherine Weetman with A Circular Economy Handbook 2022

“A clear and comprehensive ‘must-read’ for any seasoned or aspiring circular economy or supply chain professional.”

Catherine Weetman helps business leaders, entrepreneurs and community groups use circular and regenerative approaches to help their organisations to thrive. For businesses, that means creating, capturing and circulating more value for everyone:  opening up new markets and profit streams, reducing risk, improving sustainability and resilience.

An international speaker, author and business advisor, Catherine also hosts the popular Circular Economy Podcast, with listeners in over 150 countries.

A long career with great companies like Tesco, Kellogg’s and DHL Supply Chain gave her an inside track on the complex and interconnected challenges of manufacturing and retail, as she developed solutions to overcome the ‘pull of the status quo’.

Catherine’s wide-ranging experience, systems-thinking perspective, and willingness to challenge business-as-usual, together with a deep understanding of circular and regenerative practices across industry sectors, means she’s uniquely qualified to help you succeed with circular.

Could you use some advice or feedback on your circular economy ideas or strategies? How about a keynote talk to spark ideas, or an interactive workshop for your team? Get in touch to discuss how Catherine can help you succeed with circular…