The Circularity Gap Report 2026 introduces the concept of the “Value Gap”, estimating that around €25.4 trillion in economic value is lost annually due to linear resource use—equivalent to nearly one‑third of global GDP. Value is lost across material flows through inefficiencies, waste and the premature deterioration of buildings and infrastructure, highlighting that these losses are systemic and structural. The report positions circular economy approaches as a key opportunity to retain value, improve resource efficiency and strengthen economic resilience, and calls for coordinated, system‑wide action across production, consumption and policy to reduce value loss and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.

Category: publication

Month: April 2026

Publisher: Circle Economy with Deloitte​

Regions: global

Themes: circular economy, resource efficiency, material flows, economic value​

Key search terms: circularity gap; value gap; material flows; resource efficiency; economic value loss; planetary boundaries​

See also