Design decisions shape how resources are used and value is created. By embedding circular economy principles upstream, governments can influence outcomes for decades.
This brief, part of a series on accelerating the circular economy transition, focuses on products, agricultural systems and cities, the three systems that drive most resource use, waste and environmental impacts.
Well-designed systems keep materials in use at their highest value, support regenerative land use and reduce urban resource demand. Targeted upstream policies can cut reliance on virgin resources while delivering economic, environmental and social benefits.