New Economies in Practice – some Real-World Examples

Doughnut Economics in action: From Amsterdam to Paris and Tomelilla

Developed by Kate Raworth, Doughnut Economics aims to create a "safe and just space for humanity" by balancing essential human needs with the ecological limits of the planet. The model has inspired cities around the world to rethink how they plan and measure progress.

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands: In 2020, Amsterdam became the first city to officially adopt the principles of Doughnut Economics as the foundation for its urban development strategy. Since then, the approach has influenced everything from construction projects to citywide emissions goals. The city is working toward becoming fully circular by 2050, focusing on renewable energy, carbon reduction, and the use of recycled materials.

2. Paris, France: In Paris, the doughnut framework has been used to evaluate both social and ecological challenges. Despite a high GDP per capita, many residents struggle with poverty, housing shortages, and limited access to education — highlighting the city’s need to look beyond economic growth alone.

3. Tomelilla, Sweden: One of the first Swedish municipalities to explore Doughnut Economics, Tomelilla is focusing on local sustainability and social equity as part of its planning and policy development.

4. Jyväskylä, Finland: In a project funded by Sitra (Finland’s innovation fund), the city tested Doughnut Economics as a tool for local planning. The outcome was a toolkit to help municipalities and regions evaluate and improve their sustainability efforts through the doughnut lens.

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Circular economy: Businesses and cities embracing change

The circular economy is all about minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency by designing for reuse, repair, and recycling. The concept is gaining ground across industries and the public sector alike.

Circular fashion & textiles

1. The Renewal Workshop, USA/Netherlands: A startup that partners with fashion brands to repair, clean, and remarket used or damaged clothing.They bring garments back into circulation, extending their life and reducing waste.Recently acquired by Reskinned, highlighting growing demand for circular solutions in fashion.

2. Vestiaire Collective France/Global: One of the world’s largest platforms for second-hand fashion.They’ve launched "fashion activism" campaigns to promote circular consumption 2021, they became the first resale platform to also receive B Corp certification.

3. Rens Original, Finland: A sneaker brand that makes shoes from coffee waste and recycled plastic.Combines circular design with bold, climate-conscious branding targeted at younger consumers.

Local initiatives changing everyday behavior

4. ReTuna Recycling Mall, Eskilstuna, Sweden: The world’s first shopping mall where everything sold is reused, recycled, or upcycled.Operated in collaboration with the city’s waste management services, it combines shopping with sustainability education.Recognized internationally as a model for circular municipal development.

5. Circular Glasgow, UK: A city-wide initiative supporting local businesses in transitioning to circular models.Provides tools and training to help SMEs rethink their business strategies with a circular lens.Strong collaboration between the city council, design networks, and the business community.

6. Kamikatsu Zero Waste Town, Japan: A small rural town known for its ambitious goal to eliminate waste entirely.Residents sort their trash into more than 40 categories, and reuse is a part of everyday life.It’s sparked a deep cultural shift in how people think about consumption and responsibility.

Circular packaging & refill systems

7. Loop, USA/Global: An initiative by TerraCycle that works with brands like Nestlé, Unilever, and Coca-Cola to offer everyday products in reusable containers.Customers return empty containers, which are cleaned and refilled for reuse.Currently being piloted in both online and in-store formats across several countries.

8. Algramo, Chile / USA: A social impact startup offering smart refill stations for basic goods like rice, detergent, and shampoo.Uses digital chips and an app to track containers and reward users for reuse.Widely praised for its inclusive, accessible approach to circular consumption — especially in low-income neighborhoods.

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9. Volvo Construction Equipment, Scania, and ABB, Sweden: These industrial giants have started to integrate circular principles into their business models — offering refurbished components, designing for longevity, and prioritizing full lifecycle thinking.

10. Umeå Municipality, Sweden: The city has launched circular economy initiatives in waste management and urban planning, including projects that promote reuse, reduce consumption, and support sustainable local development.

Degrowth and regenerative practices: Local sustainability in action

Degrowth and regenerative economics challenge the dominant growth paradigm by promoting reduced consumption and the restoration of ecosystems.

1. Degrowth Vienna, Austria: This organization runs workshops and events exploring how cities can thrive without relying on constant economic growth. Topics include community-driven housing, shared infrastructure, and post-growth urban development.

2. Anne van Leeuwen, Netherlands: A pioneer in regenerative agriculture, Anne runs the farm 't Gagel in Lochem, where she uses diverse cropping systems to regenerate soil, enhance biodiversity, and support the local community.

3. Regenerativt Sverige, Sweden: A national association promoting regenerative agriculture through education, networking, and the spread of knowledge about sustainable food and farming practices.

4. Gotland Grönt Centrum, Sweden: A knowledge and training hub for green industries on the island of Gotland, offering programs in regenerative farming and nature-based forestry.

5. Nordisk Råvara, Sweden: This food company cultivates both traditional and lesser-known crops using ecologically sensitive farming methods. Their mission is to increase biodiversity and support a resilient, sustainable food system rooted in the Swedish landscape.