The Circularity Gap Report series, launched annually since 2018 by Circle Economy, offers key insights into the global circular economy. Each report focuses on vital topics driving action, from the first global metric in 2018 to industry and country perspectives in subsequent years.

Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act requires firms to disclose if they source conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The report shows that increased public attention leads to responsible sourcing, which mitigates conflicts in mining regions. Certified smelters play a key role in these efforts.

This report investigates how the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI) allegedly launders conflict minerals from mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It highlights serious failings in the traceability system, enabling smuggling, militia involvement, and child labour in the mineral trade. Recommendations include structural reforms and stricter enforcement by governments and companies.

This paper introduces an assessment framework for corporate disclosures on climate transition strategies. It identifies 64 indicators from 28 frameworks, develops a natural language processing (NLP) tool to automate disclosure assessment, and analyses disclosures of carbon-intensive companies. The findings reveal that companies often prioritise reporting targets over concrete implementation actions.

The IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining and Mineral Processing 2.0 (Draft Version) outlines best practices for mining, mineral development, and processing to enhance environmental and social responsibility. It aims to improve industry standards, promote transparency, and support compliance with local and international regulations.

The Standard for Responsible Mining sets out best practices for industrial-scale mining. It focuses on social, environmental, and economic aspects, providing third-party certification for responsible performance. The Standard covers areas such as community engagement, human rights, and environmental management, aiming to promote transparency, improve mining practices, and support positive legacies for communities and ecosystems.

This guide provides businesses with a framework to quantify air pollutant emissions along their value chains. It offers methodologies for assessing emissions from key sources such as electricity, fuel combustion, and transportation, helping businesses reduce pollutants and support better health outcomes and environmental sustainability.

This report outlines best practices for complying with conflict minerals regulations. It covers the definition of conflict minerals, due diligence processes, and the broader impact of responsible sourcing. Key guidelines include using the OECD Due Diligence framework and tools like the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT) for supply chain transparency.

Material Insights is a tool to help companies and stakeholders manage environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks in mineral supply chains. It provides data-driven insights on specific minerals, supporting responsible sourcing and sustainability efforts in the raw materials sector.

This report evaluates the impact of due diligence programs (DDP) on 3T mines (tin, tantalum, and tungsten) in Eastern DRC. It finds reductions in interference by armed forces, increased state presence, but no significant changes in child labour rates. Economic improvements are noted, but DDP does not eliminate all mining-related harms.

This guide provides practical steps for companies to implement due diligence in their mineral supply chains, aligning with OECD, SEC, and EU regulations. It focuses on establishing strong management systems, identifying and mitigating supply chain risks, and ensuring compliance with responsible sourcing standards to prevent human rights abuses and support ethical mineral sourcing practices.

The report evaluates the extent to which five industry programmes align with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for responsible mineral sourcing. It highlights gaps and improvements in standards and implementation, focusing on due diligence, risk assessment, and audit practices across mineral supply chains.

The Global Biodiversity Score (GBS) is a tool developed by CDC Biodiversité that helps businesses and financial institutions measure their impact on biodiversity. It provides a quantitative assessment, enabling users to integrate biodiversity considerations into decision-making and align with sustainability goals.

The Natural Capital Protocol provides a step-by-step guide for businesses to measure, value, and integrate natural capital into their operations. Divided into 9 stages, this comprehensive guide offers a practical approach to assess material risks and opportunities, communicate with stakeholders, and make informed decisions towards sustainable business practices.

The report examines the state of ESG investment in Asia, highlighting the challenges and opportunities faced by investors, regulators, and companies. It explores the rise of ESG funds, active ownership, sustainable bonds, and the evolving regulatory landscape.

The report evaluates the aviation sector's ability to meet net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. It projects that current fleet emissions will exhaust half the sector's carbon budget by 2032, necessitating zero-emission aircraft by the mid-2030s to achieve climate goals.