ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the circular economy’s origins as a concept and outlines its constitutive dimensions. In its broadest sense, a circular economy is a complex multi-layered mosaic that draws on a diversity of epistemological frames. In this chapter, we draw on one conceptualisation of the circular economy which has five interconnected themes: waste; prevention, reuse, recycling, and recovery of materials and waste; sustainable development; scale; and social equity for the benefit of current and future generations. We use the five themes to frame our analysis and highlight challenges and tensions within and between each theme present for transitioning to a sustainable and inclusive circular economy. This chapter concludes with an overview of the structure and content of each chapter of the book.
