Decarbonization and circularity are deeply interconnected. Circular strategies can reduce upstream and downstream Scope 3 emissions while improving resource efficiency, resilience to supply disruptions, competitiveness and long-term growth. Emissions remain embedded in complex, material-intensive value chains, requiring not only the deployment of low-carbon technologies but also a stronger understanding of market dynamics, economics and regulation.
Global economic systems remain resource-intensive and inefficient, with most materials not cycled back into the economy. Circular approaches such as reducing material use, extending product lifecycles and increasing the use of secondary materials can improve resource productivity, lower emissions and strengthen supply chain resilience. Led by UpLink and the World Economic Forum’s Circular Economy Transformation (including the Circular Transformation of Industries and the Global Plastic Action Partnership), this Challenge aimed to identify and scale solutions supporting integrated decarbonization and circular transformation across value chains, using advanced technologies such as AI to improve visibility, optimization and decision-making.