The Nexus Between Circular Economy and Sustainable Development Goals

The European Union’s adoption of a Circular Economy Action Plan in 2020, integral to the European Green Deal, underscores the urgency to reduce resource pressure and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Circular Economy (CE) is an essential model for sustainable development that can support achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs) of Agenda 2030. Examining the Circular Economy’s evolution and its ties to the SDGs shows the importance of transitioning to circular practices to attain specific goals and establish an environment where sustainability seamlessly integrates across diverse developmental dimensions. The relationship between CE and SDGs can offer a comprehensive view of where environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, and social equity converge. This paper provides an introductory exploration, tracing the circular economy’s evolution and highlighting its pivotal links with the SDGs, portraying them as inseparable facets of a unified vision for sustainable development. It identifies specific SDGs targets strongly associated with CE practices, which will be helpful in the groundwork for future in-depth research and analysis.