PATHWAYS TO A CIRCULAR ECONOMY - Port of Rotterdam

PREFACEChange can be positive for the planet and for businessAs we look further into the 21st century, the world is facinga myriad of challenges – meeting the needs of a growingworld population with a finite resource base on a planetthat is already under stress. However, these challengesalso present opportunities – particularly for businessesthat are prepared to change. The model of a circulareconomy offers plenty of scope to companies that arewilling to embrace change.The antiquated linear economy is based on the premiseof take, make and use – a practice that generates wastewhich must be disposed of at every step. In a circulareconomy, companies make, improve and renew. Thecircular model is about optimising an entire chain ratherthan focusing separately on each link. There are fourprinciples that define the circular economy:Use less: minimise the use of inputs and eliminatewaste and pollution.Do more: maximise the value created at each stage.Manage resources: manage flows of bio-basedresources from and back into the biosphere, andrecover and retain flows of non-renewable resourcesin closed loops.Work together: establish mutually beneficial relationshipsbetween companies within each circular chain.The circular economy is about finding new opportunitiesfrom sharing ownership of the production, use and renewalof goods and services. By adopting a circular economymodel, businesses are actively looking for the upside intaking on the challenges that the world must inevitablyface.4/73PORT OF ROTTERDAM / RABOBANKPATHWAYS TO A CIRCULAR ECONOMY