Towards the circular economy

The circular economy is about to replace the linear economic system that is based on consuming materials and discarding them after use. The circular economy involves a reduction in the consumption of virgin raw-materials and environmental impacts. Another aim is to generate positive economic and employment impacts.

The Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) promotes and assesses the sustainability of the circular economy and studies the opportunities, challenges, steering methods and politics related to the transition to such an economy. We support the development and implementation of sustainable solutions for the circular economy. These solutions promote the generation of new markets and sustainable production and consumption.

We study the use of natural resources throughout the life cycle of products and services. We explore the possibilities of the circular economy in various economic sectors.

Syke participates in wide-ranging cooperation to promote sustainable circular economy in society. We participate in numerous national and international research projects and cooperation networks and provide information on circular economy by producing content such as the Circwaste - Finland towards circular economy website.

Circular economy figure of the GDPR report

Our expertise

Research, development and innovation activities that promote the sustainability of the circular economy
Identification of connections between the circular economy and other sustainability objectives and the reduction of their negative impacts
Development of steering methods for the circular economy, such as expert work, assessment and indicators related to major regulatory reforms
Circular economy solutions and trials that involve plastics and textiles, water and agricultural nutrients, the management of harmful substances, industrial processes, and business models
Seeking new business opportunities, enhancing the responsible role of consumers, and solution-focused work to resolve social challenges