Global Circularity Protocol for business launches at COP30
The protocol is being touted as the first global voluntary framework for managing circularity impacts.
The framework has been developed by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and One Planet Network, in partnership with more than 150 experts from over 80 organisations.
The WBCSD says the Global Circularity Protocol (GCP) provides practical, standardised steps and metrics for reducing waste and cutting emissions.
Analysis from the WBCSD and One Planet Network in 2024 finds that the GCP could save 100-130bln tonnes of material by 2050, equivalent to a year's current global material consumption.
The report, Global Circularity Protocol for Business: Impact Analysis on Climate, Nature, Equity and Business Performance, says that adoption of this framework could avoid 67-76Gt of CO2e, or 1.3-1.5 times current annual global emissions. And, that it can double the pace that businesses reach 'advanced circularity maturity levels'.
Other claims include 11-12% annual reductions in PM2.5 air pollution between 2026 and 2050, and that, by 2050, the GCP could reduce arable land occupation by up to 2.9% - 0.7-1.1mln km² – comparable to the size of Ethiopia.
