Circular economy : European plan to a circular economy future in sports industry

Abstract

he development of the world economy was based on its linear organization. Businesses derive the resources they need from the environment, turn them into goods and after the use by the consumers, the goods are disposed into the environment, creating wastes and pollution. That way of organizing the economy is not sustainable for businesses, consumers and the environment. An alternative way of organizing is the circular economy. Which means the creation of a closed system, based on the cycles of nature, with limited use of natural resources. In essence, the whole system works by recycling resources within the economic system, by fueling energy needs from renewable energy sources and by technological development so that the product are design to last longer and are easier to reuse or repair. In the last decade, from 2010-2020, the circular economy has developed quite a bit mainly in Europe, as the European Union promotes the circular economy through directives to the state members in order to achieve its environmental goals by 2030. Similarly, private initiatives and investments in all priority sectors of the circular economy have increased. More and more states, individuals, businesses and organizations are realizing the need for a transition to a circular economy so that the future is sustainable on a planet that can feed an ever-growing population. This paper first analyzes the concept of the circular economy, the positive effects it will have on the environment, the state, businesses and consumers, the pillars on which it must be developed, but also the problems that must be overcome in order to be making circular business and economics easier to achieve. After that, the programs announced by the European Union in recent years with the areas in which it focuses, as well as the fairly recent Greek national action plan, are being inspected. The second chapter examines the areas of action that both the European Union and Greece have set as target areas for the immediate implementation of measures for the transition to a circular economy. As well as some business cases of the circular economy in the olympic games. Alongside various successful and innovative business ideas are presented that have managed to benefit from the circular economy, both abroad and in Greece. Finally, the sources of funding in Greece and the European Union for entrepreneurs looking for a way to cover high initial investments are presented.