Circular Economy – From Politics into Practice

What is Circular Economy?

A circular economy is a sustainable model that shifts away from the traditional "take-make-consume-throw away" approach. Instead, it designs products and processes to minimize waste by keeping resources in use for as long as possible through repair, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also drives innovation and competition in the economy.

Creating a sustainable future

Zurich is not just adapting to change, it is leading the movement. The canton is actively investing in research, innovation, and policymaking to become a hub for the circular economy. While Zurich is known for its efficiency and innovation, the reality remains that too many resources are consumed, putting pressure on both the environment and the economy.

The “Kreislauf-Initiative”: A Systematic Approach

A key step in this transition is the Kreislauf-Initiative, an initiative that aims to reduce resource consumption and promote sustainability across different sectors. It has been accepted by almost 90% of the canton Zurich. All major parties in the canton agreed with the initiative no matter their political stance. Zurich created a new team to tackle these challenges and implement effective circular strategies.

Biological and Technical Cycles

There are two fundamental cycles for this matter:
The Biological Cycle, which ensures that organic materials return safely to nature through composting, regeneration, and renewable resource management.
The Technical Cycle, which focuses on keeping non-biodegradable materials such as metals, plastics, and electronics within the economy through recycling, reusing, and remanufacturing.
By effectively managing these two cycles, Zurich aims to minimize waste and create a self-sustaining economy.

From Linear to Circular: Transforming Product Design‍

Zurich is driving a shift from linear to circular product design, particularly in resource-intensive industries like construction, real estate, and production. Instead of creating short-lived products designed for disposal, companies should be encouraged to design durable, repairable, and recyclable goods to keep materials in circulation for as long as possible.

By taking action now, Zurich demonstrates that the transition to a circular economy is not just a vision it is a reality in progress.

A big thank you to Sandro Glanzmann for sharing your insights about the Circular Economy and also to Baudirektion Kanton Zürich for supporting and sponsoring this year’s connectUS Edition 2025.