Abstract:

A new concept has appeared in the new cycle, called the “circular economy”, which is positioned as a new stage in the development of the national economy in order to ensure sustainability. The article presents a comparative analysis of linear and circular models of the economy; a retrospective analysis of theories about the principles of closed cycles based on the consideration of the works of Russian and foreign scientists is given; studied the spread of the circular economy; the most popular model of the circular economy is described (developed by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation); the widespread practice of applying the basic principles of closed cycles in the activities of countries and enterprises (for example, more than 20 countries); suggested possible directions for the development of a circular economy (environmental design, recycling of used products and waste, return logistics, car sharing and carpooling, short-term rental of premises, crowdfunding); global elements of the circular economy are systematized and visualized. With all the diversity of eco-friendly services, business-initiatives, research and development one of the key condition determining the implementation of circular economy principles and achievement of sustainable development is a human with his or her cultural background and moral attitudes.