the truth about circularity: are businesses really going green or just talking?

As we approach the Dutch Circular Economy Week, set to take place from March 17 to 22, 2025, it’s crucial to reflect on the state of global circularity and its pressing importance. Despite the circular economy concept gaining significant traction in recent years, with discussions and debates on the topic nearly tripling over the last five, the reality paints a sobering picture. The Circularity Gap Report reveals a concerning trend: the share of secondary materials in the global economy has actually decreased from 9.1% in 2018 to 7.2% in 2023, while overall material consumption continues to skyrocket. In just six years, we’ve consumed over half a trillion tons of materials, nearly matching the entire consumption of the 20th century. This stark contrast between increased awareness and declining circularity underscores a critical gap between rhetoric and action. The consequences of our linear “take-make-dispose” economy are evident, with six out of nine key planetary boundaries now breached, signaling severe environmental stress across land, water, and air systems.

However, there’s hope. The Circularity Gap Report suggests that implementing 16 circular economy solutions could not only reverse the overshoot of planetary boundaries but also reduce global material extraction needs by one third. These solutions emphasize using fewer resources for longer periods, employing regenerative materials, and effectively recycling materials at the end of their lifecycle.

At Ynvolve, we’ve been working with WEEE-certified recycling partners for almost 20 years—so it’s no surprise that Circular Economy Week matters to us. We don’t just talk the talk; we actively support circular solutions in IT.

What is Circular Economy Week?

Circular Economy Week is an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the circular economy, a model that emphasizes sustainability by minimizing waste and making the most of resources. This year, the event will take place in the Netherlands from March 17 to 22, 2025 in various locations across the country and will feature a wide array of events, including talks, tours, and workshops. The week serves as a platform for stakeholders—including policymakers, businesses, and environmental advocates—to share knowledge and discuss strategies for democratizing and implementing circular practices across various industries.

Why is it more important than ever?

We’ve never had a greater need for a circular economy. While material consumption has been instrumental in raising living standards over the past century, we’ve reached a unique point in history where its continued acceleration—in high-income countries—no longer guarantees increases in human well-being. Meanwhile, the unequal distribution of wealth and materials hugely destabilizes society and strains Earth’s life support systems. The world’s wealthier nations can no longer use progress as an excuse for unrestricted material consumption. The global economy needs to adopt circular principles to boost development and resilience and to safeguard people’s well-being in this time of uncertainty and transition.

Ynvolve’s commitment to circularity

At Ynvolve, we are dedicated to supporting businesses in embracing circular IT solutions. Our focus is on selling fit-for-purpose IT infrastructure, but how does that work exactly?

What’s happening before you buy circular hardware from us?

1. Collection: We begin by buying equipment that companies no longer use or need.
2. Assessment: Each item undergoes a thorough assessment to determine its condition and potential for refurbishment.
3. Refurbishment: Our technical team repairs and upgrades the equipment as needed, ensuring it meets current new material performance and quality standards.
4. Quality Assurance: Every refurbished item is rigorously tested to ensure reliability before it is returned to our clients or resold.
5. Recycling: Our recycling partners responsibly recycle any equipment that cannot be refurbished, ensuring minimal environmental impact.

What are the benefits for your company?

• Cost efficiency: Refurbished equipment offers significant savings compared to purchasing new devices without compromising quality (up to 80%, in our experience)
• Sustainability: By opting for refurbished IT solutions, companies can significantly reduce their carbon footprint and support sustainable practices and ESG goals.
• Compliance: Our services align with EU regulations aimed at promoting circularity and responsible waste management.
• Fit-for-purpose infrastructure: By not limiting yourself to new equipment, you can have a system that perfectly fits your needs in every area without overspending.

Conclusion

While discussions on circularity have surged, real-world implementation is lagging, and the numbers don’t lie. With global circularity dropping from 9.1% to 7.2% in just five years, the gap between ambition and action is widening.

But the good news? Solutions exist. Shifting toward circular IT infrastructure, smarter resource management, and waste reduction can drastically cut environmental impact while driving economic resilience. At Ynvolve, we’ve been championing this approach for two decades—not just as a business model but as a necessity for the future of IT.

As the EU pushes toward full circularity by 2050, businesses have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to lead the way. Whether it’s adopting refurbished hardware, extending the lifecycle of IT assets, or minimizing electronic waste, the time to act is now. Sustainability has many paths, but circularity is one we can’t ignore.

Will your business be part of the change? Let’s get in touch!