Circular Economy: The Path Towards Sustainability

An Inspiring Analysis by Joan Rieradevall Pons and Carles Gasol Martínez Published by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) in April 2025, the book Circular Economy: The Path Towards Sustainability presents itself as a compass for understanding and transitioning towards a more just and regenerative economic model. 1. Why a book on circular economy now? The authors start from an alarming reality: only 7.2% of global products and services are currently circular. Additionally, projections show that the socio-environmental impact of consumption will continue growing without profound changes in production and consumption systems. Faced with this scenario, the circular economy appears not only as an ethical or ecological option, but as a strategic necessity. Growing citizen awareness and the evolution of environmental regulatory frameworks are driving this transformation. 2. What will you find in the book? The authors divide their approach into several key fronts: Policies and regulation: structural foundations to accelerate the transition to circular models. Indicators and tools: methods to measure progress and make strategic decisions. Innovation strategies: concrete examples of eco-design and resource minimization. Applied cases: from product design to final management, across various sectors such as industry, agriculture, forestry, and territories. This is an accessible work, with technical rigor and social relevance, that poses a critical question: will the circular economy be a tangible reality or will it remain a utopia without real impact? 3. Why read it? Multidisciplinary vision: combines political, economic, social, and environmental analysis. Practical approach: tools, indicators, and applicable strategies from design to production. Accessibility: available in open access (PDF) and in print edition. Solid credentials: Joan Rieradevall is an expert in environmental technology and circular economy; Carles Gasol is a specialist in industrial ecology. 4. The context behind the launch The book had a prominent public presence, including a dialogue held on June 5, 2025, in Barcelona, on the occasion of World Environment Day. At this event, the authors discussed policies, tools, and new consumption models alongside actors from the sustainability sector. Conclusion Circular Economy: The Path Towards Sustainability is a key work for understanding how to advance towards a more sustainable and resilient economic system. Ideal for professionals, academics, policymakers, and anyone committed to environmental transformation.