Circular Economy Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the circular economy calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Circularity Score
score = circularity_scoreVirgin Material Used
virgin_used = virgin_materialWaste to Landfill
landfill_waste = waste_to_landfillMaterial Productivity
material_productivity = product_lifespan_factor / (1 - recycled_input_pct / 100)Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
total_materials_tons | Total Materials Used(metric tons) | 100 |
recycled_input_pct | Recycled Input %(%) | 30 |
waste_recycled_pct | Waste Recycled %(%) | 50 |
product_lifespan_factor | Lifespan Extension Factor(x) | 1.5 |
circularity_score | Derived value= (recycled_input_pct + waste_recycled_pct) / 2 * product_lifespan_factor / 1.5 | calculated |
virgin_material | Derived value= total_materials_tons * (1 - recycled_input_pct / 100) | calculated |
waste_to_landfill | Derived value= total_materials_tons * (1 - waste_recycled_pct / 100) | calculated |
How It Works
How to Calculate Circular Economy Score
The circular economy aims to eliminate waste by keeping materials in use as long as possible.
Formula
Circularity Score = (Recycled Input % + Waste Recycled %) / 2 * Lifespan Factor / 1.5
Principles
1. Design out waste: Products designed for disassembly and reuse 2. Keep products in use: Repair, refurbish, remanufacture 3. Regenerate natural systems: Return nutrients to soil
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation estimates transitioning to circular economy could reduce global CO2 by 45%.
Worked Example
A company using 100 tons materials, 30% recycled input, 50% waste recycled, 1.5x lifespan.
- 01Circularity score: (30 + 50) / 2 * 1.5 / 1.5 = 40
- 02Virgin material: 100 * (1 - 0.30) = 70 tons
- 03Waste to landfill: 100 * (1 - 0.50) = 50 tons
- 04Material productivity: 1.5 / 0.70 = 2.14x
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the circular economy?
The circular economy is an alternative to the traditional linear take-make-waste model. It aims to keep materials in circulation through reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling, minimizing waste and virgin resource extraction.
How does circular economy differ from recycling?
Recycling is just one component. The circular economy prioritizes reducing consumption, extending product life through repair and reuse, and designing products for disassembly. Recycling is a last resort before disposal.
What industries are adopting circular economy?
Fashion (rental, resale), electronics (refurbishment), packaging (reusable containers), construction (material reuse), and automotive (remanufactured parts) are leading adopters.
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Circular Economy Calculator