The implementation of the circular economy will entail a major transformation from a resource-destroying, linear economy to a circular one that operates within the planet's regenerative boundaries. This book presents an interim assessment of the implementation of a circular economy in the EU. It reveals what achievements have been made in various EU institutions, but which are scarcely perceived by the public; which basic scientific principles can be applied in this context; and what NGOs are demanding beyond this progress. It provides convincing arguments for abandoning the "hamster wheel" of material-based satisfaction of our needs, and shows that the primacy of the economy stands in the way of a good life for all. Given its focus, it will appeal to everyone interested in an ecologically sustainable economic system.

Sepp Eisenriegler is the founder and managing director of Repair and Service Center R.U.S.Z in Vienna. He is a lobbyist for the durability, reparability and reusability of electrical appliances on the Austrian and EU level, including as Austrian delegate to the EU standardization M 543 "Material Efficiency Aspects for Ecodesign" in the CEN-CENELEC Joint Technical Committee 10. He is a renowned expert on circular economy, resource conservation, planned obsolescence and social entrepreneurship.