Circular economy in focus: This is how we save our resources!

Circular economy in focus: This is how we save our resources!

On May 15, 2025, a date that coincides with the publication of the new book “The worldview of the circular economy and bioeconomy – the cycle?” This is accompanied by a significant step towards clarifying the concept of circularity. Dr. Thomas Marzi and Prof. Dr. Manfred Renner from the Ruhr University Bochum, who also works at the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, opens up historical perspectives on thinking in cycles with their paper. This book compares natural, technological and economic cycles in order to promote interdisciplinary perspectives and create a deeper understanding of the cycles in the circular economy. The publication takes place as open access by Springer-Verlag and is part of a comprehensive series that began last year with the first volume “The world view of the circular economy and bioeconomy – role model nature?” started.

The book particularly focuses on scientists in applied research and people who deal with topics such as the circular economy, bioeconomy or sustainability. With 296 pages (ISBN 978-3-662-70264-9 for the second volume), the topic of circular economy is illuminated through historical and theoretical principles.

Circular economy and resource protection

A central concern of research and policy is the need to transform the economy and way of life in industrialized countries in order to get to grips with excessive consumption of raw materials and large-scale waste production. Economic growth in developing and emerging countries is exacerbating the situation, which is increasing the pressure on natural resources such as water, land and raw materials. The solution could lie in increasing resource efficiency and establishing a circular economy that makes products usable for as long as possible through repair, reuse and recycling. This is also emphasized by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, which has identified the circular economy as an important approach.

Research funded within the framework of the circular economy specifically addresses various topics, including the efficient use and reuse of rare raw materials as well as the healthy and efficient use of water resources. Examples of new technologies resulting from this research include circularly designed smartphones and modules for electric vehicles.

Political initiatives and challenges

The Federal Ministry has also launched the Reset2020 – Resources.Efficiency.Technologies initiative, which aims to increase resource efficiency in Austria. The focus is on intelligent management of resources and the development of sustainable production methods. The central activities of this initiative include networking between politics, science, business and society in order to jointly address the challenges of resource conservation.

In addition, the “Sustainable Resource Use” research group at WU Vienna produces various fact sheets that include concepts of the regional circular economy, sustainable consumption and approaches to reducing material consumption in the public sector. Such detailed analyzes are crucial to promote social acceptance and implementation of sustainable practices.

Overall, these developments show the importance of an interdisciplinary and integrative approach to creating a sustainable future, taking into account both research and practical applications in business.