Circular economy and the Titanic effect: Analysis of 145 case studies
Our Principal Investigator, Professor Fiona Charnley, has co-authored research that has been published in the journal Sustainable Production and Consumption. This study takes a bold look at a critical question:
Why do circular economy initiatives fail?
Analysing 145 B2B and B2C case studies, the research applies systems thinking and the 9R Framework to uncover the systemic traps and structural barriers that stall circular transitions. It introduces the Titanic Effect – a concept describing how embedded processes, short-term goals, and consumer behaviours can prevent strategic shifts toward circularity.
Key insights:
🔹CE failures often stem from overlooking system-wide impacts like cost, waste, and social equity.
🔹A systems approach is essential to align environmental protection, economic feasibility, and social responsibility.
🔹There’s a clear gap in the literature around CE failure and this research helps fill it.
This work offers actionable strategies for businesses, policymakers, and sustainability professionals to design more resilient circular models.
