Half the solution to the climate crisis lies with a circular economy, which encourages concepts like zero waste and reuse. Here are the top circular economy articles that grabbed your attention in 2023!
How Japan approaches fashion, circular economy and zero waste

While we hope there’ll be more brands looking into circular fashion, we are also invigorated by those that do, showing how circular practices can be integrated into fashion. They focus on ethical production, recycling, and sustainable materials, aiming to reduce waste and increase product longevity. Here we see in more detail how circular fashion can be achieved with examples, thus creating a circular economy.
How Japan approaches fashion, circular economy and zero wasteCircular Design leveraging Hidakuma’s hardwood trees for Community and Architecture

We look at a particular example of circular economy about forestry in Gifu Prefecture. This interview highlights the sustainable use of local forest resources, embracing the entirety of Hida’s living forest. This approach not only promotes ecological sustainability but also benefits the local community by integrating traditional materials and methods with modern design principles.
Circular Design leveraging Hidakuma’s hardwood trees for Community and ArchitectureTurning soy byproducts into circular superfoods
Another popular article we saw was for circular food. The byproducts of soy, often discarded in traditional processing, are recognized for their nutritional potential and their role in promoting a sustainable food future. This approach not only addresses health and nutrition but also emphasizes reducing food waste and creating a more circular, efficient food system.
Turning soy byproducts into circular superfoodsCircular Edonomy: Japan’s successful Circular Economy 400 years ago
Japan has a rich history of practicing a circular economy dating back 400 years, emphasizing sustainability long before it became a global focus. We delved into traditional practices, which included meticulously using resources, repurposing materials, and minimizing waste, reflecting a deep-rooted respect for nature and resource conservation. This historical approach showcases early instances of circular living. Japan’s enduring legacy highlights the importance of integrating environmental consciousness into daily life and offers valuable insights into the development of contemporary sustainable practices.
Circular Edonomy: Japan’s successful Circular Economy 400 years agoMore on circular economy in Japan
- 2025-03-28: Targetting 25,000 tonnes of recycled plastic for automotives by 2031
- 2025-03-27: Ministry of the Environment declares finance for a greener economy
- 2025-03-18: Okayama's Panel to Panel solar panel circularity with new methods
- 2025-03-09: The Ethical Spirits introduces new gin with Botanica Bloom
- 2025-03-07: Mitsubishi Chemical's European project closes the loop on automotive waste