The transition from linear to circular economy is a huge topic, and it is impossible to cover
everything in one essay. Whilst the essay questions differ, you still need to demonstrate your
achievement of the learning outcomes, i.e., understand the limitations of the linear economy, the
advantages of the circular economy, and apply this knowledge to the real world. Therefore, I have
complied some tips that should help you to plan and structure your essay in order to achieve the
learning outcomes, whilst recognising that each essay question has a different focus.
In order for you to narrow down the focus of your essay, think about an appropriate sector,
problem, CE solution, and examples. Think about which of the following components you might
focus on that will help you to narrow the discussion of your essay, and provide the in-depth
analysis necessary.
1. Context: describe the sector, industry, company, products, markets, consumers etc.
2. What are the problems of the linear economy in relation to your topic and the context you
have described, and think about which of the components of the circular economy are you
focusing on, you may select one or more of the following:
• extraction, manufacturing, distribution, consumption, disposal
3. How can the CE address the problems that you have identified with the linear economy, and
which components of the CE are you focusing on:
• 5 Characteristics (you might select one or more):
– waste, renewable energy, diversity, systems, true cost
• 3 Principles (butterfly diagram) (you might select one or more):
– preserve nature (inputs)
– biological/technical product circulation (processes)
– design out negative externalities (outputs)
• 4 Building blocks (you might select one or more):
– design, supply chain, business models, enablers
4. Having selected which aspects you will focus on in your essay, chose an example (or
examples) that you will use to apply to a real-world situation. This will demonstrate your ability
to critically analyse the topic, and help you:
– Identify the opportunities / barriers in transitioning to CE
– Relate how the specific CE components that you have focussed on influence the other
CE components that you didn’t focus on, do they support or conflict?
– What is required to support the transition to CE?
Remember, these are tips to help you focus your essay and achieve the learning outcomes. Each
essay questions has a different focus and how you decide to frame the focus of your essay is
entirely up to you, but you will have to justify each decision you make with evidence from readings
from the module and more widely.