Introduction

This chapter introduces the understandings of a circular economy (CE) and sustainability that guided the research. A CE is considered a resource efficiency measure that has evolved from a number of previous approaches to gain policy prominence as an approach to sustainability (i.e. balancing economic, environmental and social perspectives). The book sets out the relationship between a CE and sustainability by asking (1) to what extent, and in what form, are CE practices occurring in public, private and third sector policy and practice? (2) What are the sustainability (environmental, social and economic) implications of developing a CE? (3) How can the implementation of a CE be expanded and intensified? The Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Network undertaking the research is outlined and the content of the chapters that follow is summarised.