The transition of the European economy from a cyclical to a linear model represents one of the most discussed topics in contemporary economic discourse. The cyclical model, based on “take, use, throw away” principles, often leads to excessive resource consumption, increased waste and environmental problems. In response to these challenges, many European countries have begun to take active steps towards a linear economy, where the emphasis is on sustainable use of resources and minimization of negative environmental impact. We recommend the article about circular economy in the Europrom.

The linear economy offers an alternative approach that focuses on creating closed loops where resources are not just used and discarded, but recycled and reintroduced into the economy. This includes not only recycling, but also improving the design of products so that they are more durable, easily repairable and recyclable. This approach helps to reduce the consumption of primary resources and waste.

The reasons for the shift to a linear economy in Europe are varied. First is the growing awareness of environmental issues such as climate change and resource depletion. European nations are not only seeking to reduce carbon emissions, but also to incorporate sustainable practices into production processes. Second, the linear economy promotes economic growth through innovation and job creation in areas related to recycling and sustainable production. Third, shifting to a more sustainable model can improve countries' competitiveness on the global stage, where consumers increasingly favor eco-conscious brands.

However, this transition comes with a number of challenges. Countries face the need to rethink their production chains and investments, which requires significant resources and time. The need to change consumption habits may also meet resistance from populations accustomed to the convenience of disposable goods. Moreover, not all industries can adapt quickly to the new environment, and some may be vulnerable to change.

Nevertheless, many European countries have already started to implement successful projects within the linear economy. For example, Germany is actively developing recycling and resource reuse initiatives, and the Netherlands is aiming to become 'zero waste' by 2050. These examples demonstrate that the transition to a linear model is possible and can lead to significant improvements in both the economy and the environment.