Kuala Lampur, Dec. 18 -- We all know the story. Our "take-make-waste" economic model is choked by its own waste and voracious appetite for virgin materials. The proposed hero of this story?

The Circular Economy (CE) - a system designed to eliminate waste, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems.

It's a compelling vision, one that promises not just a healthier planet, but a more resilient and innovative economy.

But is this transition a foregone conclusion, an inevitable march of progress?

According to a sweeping systematic review of the evidence, the answer is a resounding no. The path to a circular future is not a clear road; it's a brutal, high-stakes tug-of-war.

The research by Tan, Tan, and Ramakrishna,...