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# System prepended metadata

title: The material circular economy

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# The material circular economy

For a discussion of the conceptual differences between 'sustainability' and the 'circular economy' in material terms see [here](https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/bitstream/handle/1810/261957/The%20Circular%20Economy%20-%20a%20new%20sustainability%20paradigm_accepted%20version.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y). The definition of circularity adopted is: 'a regenerative system in which resource input and waste, emission, and energy leakage are minimised by slowing, closing, and narrowing material and energy loops. This can be achieved through long-lasting design, maintenance, repair, reuse, remanufacturing, refurbishing, and recycling.'

A key question is to what extent [circularity of trade in a mutual credit club](/CMlnVwUjR6-EPA4jHyqsqw) drives these outcomes.