Includes bibliographical references and index.

The circular economy, roots and context -- Circularity, sustainability and labour in the circular industrial economy -- The circular industrial economy, a wealth of new opportunities -- The era of "R": the owner decides locally -- The era of "D": economic actors recovering resource assets decide -- The point of sale or factory gate, and liability -- The invisible liability loop, labour and the role of policy -- The performance economy, industry adopting the circular industrial economy as default option -- Radical innovation to enhance stock management -- Outlook.

'A Circular Economy' seeks to rebuild capital, whether this is financial, manufactured, human, social or natural, and offers opportunities and solutions for all organisations. This book, written by Walter Stahel, who is widely recognised as one of the key people who formulated the concept of the Circular Economy, is the perfect introduction for anyone wanting to quickly get up to speed with this vitally important topic for ensuring sustainable development. It sets out a new framework that refines the concept of a Circular Economy and how it can be applied at industrial levels. This concise book presents the key themes for busy managers and policymakers and some of the newest thinking on the topic of the Circular Economy from one of the leading thinkers in the field.

Walter R. Stahel is the Founder-Director of the Product-Life Institute (Switzerland), the oldest established consultancy in Europe devoted to developing sustainable strategies and policies. He is Visiting Professor in the Department of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, and a full member of the Club of Rome. He was awarded degrees of Doctor honoris causa by the University of Surrey (2013) and l'Universitâe de Montrâeal (2016).