Circular Economy & Design

The European Community has set itself the goal of launching and promoting the economic model of the circular economy, which is in stark contrast to the planned obsolescence of linear production. The concept of “From Cradle to Grave,” which was once supported by the presence of abundant low-cost raw materials, is no longer sustainable. The goal has to be: “From Cradle to Cradle” (C2C), which encourages a reconversion of production processes.  

Transforming the climate emergency into "an opportunity to create a more equitable world" is possible. The solution to the problem is, in fact, the citizens, the only ones who can start an "industrial revolution supported precisely by sustainable innovation, using nature as an ally." (Attenborough).

The goal is to limit the increase in global temperature to 1.5 degrees and allow for a sustainable growth of the world’s population, which is estimated to increase by another 2 billion over the next 30 years. In Europe, the amount of raw materials extracted has doubled in the past 30 years, with the forecast of doubling by 2060.

According to the analysis of the National Report on the Circular Economy in Italy 2021, developed by the Circular Economy Network (CEN), greenhouse gas emissions could be cut by 39% per year globally by doubling the current rate of 'circularity’ of the world economy (in other words, going from 8.6% to 17%). 

Italy is a leading nation in Europe in the circular economy, with 112,000 people employed and an annual turnover of 70 billion. Our country has made great progress especially in the rate of use of secondary materials. In fact, Italy is the European country with the highest recycling rate calculated on the total amount of waste collected. From 2016 to 2020, about 1 in 3 companies invested in green technologies.

David Grossman, former President of the International Council of Design, has always emphasized the fundamental role of design which, in the future, must merge with the pillars of a circular economy. The typical principles of the circular economy affect the different stages of the production process and design defines how the product must interact with humans and systems during its life cycle and, therefore, how it can be reused or renewed.