The circular economy is a new production and consumption model that characterizes the process of transformation towards a more sustainable and inclusive development. The institutions, starting with the European Commission, are promoting it with determination and a significant part of the companies are investing in this strategic perspective, changing their business models. This means analyzing the different phases of the product life cycle, identifying the opportunities of circularity starting from the design. The contribution analyzes the economic benefits, drivers and barriers of the circular economy, using the results of some empirical research.

M. Frey, Genesi ed evoluzione dell’economia circolare, in Rivista quadrimestrale di diritto dell’ambiente, n. 1/2020, 163-181