Conclusions: Emerging understandings of circular economy realities

Following the findings and discussions presented in the previous chapters, this concluding chapter sums up the emerging reality of circular economy (CE) development. The research indicates that while there have been widespread efforts to implement aspects of a CE, both public and private sector initiatives have focused on practices that have been promoted in policies for several decades. These relate more to material recovery than seeking to eliminate waste or sharing/reuse approaches. More energy efficient and potentially socially transformative CE strategies (such as repair or reuse), which could reduce consumption, are employed by third sector organisations. Rather than reduce consumption, CE practices provide important access to consumption for the socially excluded. A CE is inextricably linked within the wider spatial, social and economic constraints. Decisions about how to progress CE development are highly political. Suggestions are made for further research which needs to expand beyond the European focus of Cresting, engage more with organisations at earlier stages of their CE experience and further develop social analyses.