Sustainability & Circular Economy. 2.2.1 Sustainability Sustainability is increasingly gaining traction with policymakers and academia (Geissdoerfer, Savaget, Bocken & Hultink, 2017). Moreover, it is more and more incorporated into the strategies of companies. The term originates in the French verb soutenir, which means “to hold up or support” (Xxxxx, Xxxxxx, Xxxxxxxx & Xxxxxxxx, 1987). A written statement of this conceptualization dates already from the 18th century. Only in 2015, the concept changed meaning, namely the principle of respecting the ability of nature to regenerate itself. With the appearance of the Xxxxxxxxxx Report (1987), the most prominent understanding of sustainable development was created. Sustainable development has many definitions. However, one of the most commonly used is the definition of the Xxxxxxxxxx Commission, namely: “Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs” (WCED, 1987). The pressing need to transition to more sustainable systems is caused by the increasing evidence on global scale environmental problems, such as ozone depletion, climate change, biodiversity loss or the alteration of the nitrogen cycle (Xxxxxxxxx et al., 2009). The rise of fast pace production and consumption, leading to short life cycle products, causes a rapid depletion of natural resources. Consequently, it jeopardises the earth’s life-support system since the planet is not able to replenish itself at this fast pace of production and consumption. The focus is often on the environmental part of sustainability, as mentioned above. However, Elkington (1997) introduced the concept of the ‘triple-bottom-line’ of sustainability. He mentions that sustainable development should be understood as balancing the three dimensions: economic prosperity, environmental quality and social justice. These dimensions of sustainability are highlighted by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (UN, 2015), which was adopted by all United Nations Member states in 2015. At its core are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which form a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The different SDGs are interconnected. Goal 1: No Poverty Goal 2: Zero Hunger Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being Goal 4: Quality Education Goal 5: Gender Equality Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth Goal 9: Industry, I...
