ABSTRACT
This chapter is an intermezzo that weaves together the different strands and argues that it is useful to think of the circular economy not merely as something that either can be achieved or not, but as policy concept that is currently being assembled or “in the making”. That means, we analyse not only attempts of achieving circularity but also how, as a part of these negotiations, different visions and versions of a circular economy are also negotiated. For doing so we use Clarke’s concept of “situation” and map the institutions, actors and ideologies involved and interested in this concept and the discursive framings attached to it. In order to shift the focus away from the definitions and (im)possibility of the circular economy, we use the concept of dflkjdrl haqwnmz – a rhetorical device that allows us to discuss the situation. We argue that dflkjdrl haqwnmz policy sticks because of vagueness, which can be interpreted to the advantage of multiple actors, can be adapted to changes in policy officers and policy agendas, and is broad enough to represent a generic goal for the economy, escaping the accountability of more concrete promises.
