Circular Economy
In a circular economy, products are designed, produced, and used in a way that reduces waste and facilitates the regeneration of natural systems.
It is much more than just recycling. It relies on a combination of strategies and innovative business models that close material loops and focus on optimizing resource flows, decreasing the need for virgin resource use, and reducing a range of environmental impacts including greenhouse gas emissions.
IISD has been working on related issues for years. Some of our research and analysis can be found below, and on the SDG Knowledge Hub.
Latest
Microplastics now pervasive in Great Lakes, with 90% of water samples surpassing safe levels for aquatic wildlife: new studies
Data spanning the last ten years reveal that the Great Lakes basin is widely contaminated with microplastics, with potentially dangerous consequences for the wildlife that live within.
![](https://www.iisd.org/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/2023-05/beach-plastics-pollution-environment_2.jpg?h=140710cd&itok=r8ocSapd)
Paris Talks a Clear Chance for Canada to Lead on Plastics Pollution
As ministers and policymakers meet in Paris for INC-2, Canada needs to be leading the way when it comes to protecting our environment—and fresh water—from plastics pollution.
![](https://www.iisd.org/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/2022-11/electric-vehicle_0.jpg?h=160995c1&itok=d69UzX-d)
IISD Joins Global Battery Alliance
IISD is pleased to announce that it has joined the Global Battery Alliance (GBA) as a non-profit member. The GBA is a public–private collaboration platform founded in 2017 at the World Economic Forum to help establish a sustainable battery value chain by 2030.
![](https://www.iisd.org/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/2022-09/tropical-beach-plastic-pollution.jpg?h=160995c1&itok=Af0KqZap)
The Road to a Treaty on (Marine) Plastic Pollution
Tallash Kantai discusses the adoption of Resolution 5/14 by the United Nations Environment Assembly and explores how to ensure a fair treaty to end plastic pollution.
![](https://www.iisd.org/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/2021-11/recycling-facility-circular-economy.jpg?h=160995c1&itok=jxDVkjm0)
Toward a Low-Carbon Circular Economy: The emerging role of trade
Circular economy solutions will play a critical role in decarbonization. Kevin Moss, Mari Pantsar, and Scott Vaughan outline how trade policy can help.
![](https://www.iisd.org/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/2021-08/sustainable-consumption.jpg?h=119335f7&itok=PMobG3gR)
Doing More with Less: Ensuring Sustainable Consumption and Production
Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns has been one of the greatest global challenges over the past fifty years.
Latest
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Sustainable Finance
Sustainable finance has gained considerable traction in recent years, becoming a significant trend in the financial industry.
![](https://www.iisd.org/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/2020-06/RS2067_investment-law-policy-topic.jpg?h=37841612&itok=4WyPyFPu)
Investment Law & Policy
How can we ensure developing economies attract international investment that promotes sustainable development?
![](https://www.iisd.org/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/2020-06/RS2072_responsible-business-topic.jpg?h=10d202d3&itok=zQ50QKk7)
Responsible Business
By adopting sustainable practices, companies can gain a competitive edge, increase their market share, and boost shareholder value.
![](https://www.iisd.org/sites/default/files/styles/featured_box_landscape_mobile/public/2020-06/RS2070_mining-topic.jpg?h=c9801f56&itok=Fc8xpOum)
Mining
We work to optimize the benefits of mining and ensure the financial benefits are shared by supporting the development of laws and policies.