The Circular Economy has gained significant attention over the past ten years. At Standard Chartered we are seeing an increased focus on circularity as a driver of commercial outcomes, greater efficiency and economic resilience.
17
A circular economy supports all 17 SDGs (Schroeder, et al., 2018)
80%
increase in waste generation from 2024 to 2050 (World Bank, 2024)
$6.5trn
Circular Economy funding gap to 2035 (Standard Chartered 2025)
Circular Economy solutions
Contribute to more sustainable growth, enhancing resilience and reducing risk.
Are essential for delivery of decarbonisation and climate objectives.
Are an important vehicle for delivery of nature and regenerative objectives, and societal benefits.
Through leveraging Standard Chartered’s innovative financing expertise, network and global reach we can help support our clients in developing and scaling Circular Economy solutions.
This first report from the Circular Economy Innovation Hub focuses on the challenge of mobilising finance to scale the Circular Economy. With a projected global population growth potentially reaching more than 10 billion by 2050, the report compares adoption of circularity across regions and sectors and how to shift to a more effective and efficient economic model.
Circularity is a systems solution framework that decouples economic growth from the use of finite virgin raw materials, minimising the production of waste and pollution. It achieves these ends by extending the lifespan of products and materials, keeping them in high-value use in the economy for longer, and designing products and services to have nature-positive and regenerative impact.
Could you explain what the Circular Economy is in a couple of lines?
The Circular Economy aims to address the current economic model of “take, make, waste” and redesign products for longer usage through reuse, repair, remanufacturing, resale, and ultimately recycling. This would thereby reduce waste, conserve resources, and regenerate nature.
What are the benefits of transitioning to a CE?
The Circular Economy offers resilient and competitive growth potential. Many governments recognize its advantages, including enhanced resource and supply chain security, economic growth, job creation, and less waste and pollution. Studies show that moving to a fully Circular Economy could create up to USD5 trillion in value by 2030.
How much Circular Finance is available?
Current investment in the Circular Economy is about USD330bn, projected to reach USD735bn by 2035. However, an estimated USD7.5-14.5trn is needed for a full transition, leaving a funding gap of approximately USD6.5 trillion by 2035. Closing this gap could generate jobs and unlock new business and investment opportunities in areas like resale, reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling.
Our approach to sustainability
We’re working to deliver sustainable, inclusive growth and prosperity for the places we call home.
Accelerating and scaling finance in the Circular Economy could help unlock a significant amount of new business, investment and employment opportunities. And reduce finite resources, biodiversity loss and carbon emissions.
Standard Chartered has an important role to play in supporting our clients, sectors and markets to deliver net zero, but to do so in a manner that supports livelihoods and promotes sustainable economic growth. We currently provide financial services to clients, sectors and markets that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions however we’re committed to net zero in our own operations by 2025 and in our financed emissions by 2050.
