Modern consumption typically follows a linear path
Raw materials are extracted from the Earth, transformed into goods, used for some amount of time, and then disposed, often in a landfill.
The circular bioeconomy responds to urgent global challenges, like climate change and biodiversity loss, by developing more circular pathways that provide for society’s needs, using and re-using the world’s resources in sustainable ways. It is based on healthy, biodiverse and resilient ecosystems, with sustainable wellbeing for society at large at its core.
The forest circular bioeconomy calls on forests and forest products, including wood, to provide a renewable source of materials that can replace fossil-based products. Using forest-based products has additional benefits, and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve water, air and soil quality, eliminate microplastic pollution, and significantly reduce waste compared to fossil-based products.
For a sustainable future, we all have a role to play in strengthening the circular bioeconomy: from the private sector, to governments, international organisations, and even individual consumers, our choices can help propel the transition to more sustainable systems.