From global to local: Measuring the Circularity Gap
The Circularity Gap Report (CGR®) is Circle Economy’s flagship research product, designed to measure circularity and understand how resources flow through the economy. Since setting the first global baseline in 2018, it has grown into a flexible framework used across countries, regions, cities and sectors. Grounded in systems thinking, industrial ecology and material flow analysis, CGR turns complex data into clear insights—showing how economies function, where inefficiencies persist, and where opportunities for circularity can be unlocked. More than a research tool, CGR supports better policy, strategy, and investment decisions, helping turn analysis into action.
CGR Global
Since its first edition, the CGR has evolved from a pioneering global assessment into the leading benchmark for measuring circularity worldwide. Early editions focused on establishing a headline metric to quantify the share of materials cycled back into the economy, helping put circularity on the global agenda. Over time, the analysis has deepened—expanding its methodological rigour, improving data quality, and integrating insights on material extraction, stock build-up, and environmental impacts such as emissions. Today, the CGR stands as a robust, widely recognised tool that not only tracks the state of global circularity, but also supports targeted action—bridging the gap between measurement, strategy, and implementation.
CGR Nations
CGR® Nations applies the Circularity Gap Report framework at the national level, supporting governments and stakeholders in developing a robust evidence base for the circular economy transition. Building on the broader CGR methodology, it combines country-specific data with system-level analysis to assess material flows, identify priority sectors, and highlight actionable pathways. To further scale access and usability, insights are complemented by the CGR® Dashboard—a platform that brings together data, analysis, and strategic entry points—enabling policymakers and practitioners to explore results, compare performance, and inform decision-making.
CGR Regions & cities
CGR® Regions and Cities applies the Circularity Gap Report framework at the sub-national level, supporting local and regional authorities in understanding how materials flow through their economies. Combining the scientific rigour of the CGR methodology with a flexible, context-specific approach, analyses can be adapted to available data, policy priorities, and spatial scale. The result is a structured evidence base that helps identify key intervention areas, align stakeholders, and inform place-based circular economy strategies.
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