cirkularisering

Cirkularisering, anglicized as circularisation, is a term used to describe the process of making something circular or adopting circularity within a system. In Danish and other Scandinavian languages, it is commonly used across technical and policy contexts to denote both geometric transformation and broader shifts toward closed-loop practices. The exact meaning depends on context, but the common thread is moving away from linear, disposable models toward approaches that keep resources in use.

In geometry and product design, cirkularisering refers to shaping or modifying forms toward a circle, or designing products and processes to be easier to disassemble and recycle at end of life. It can involve rounding corners, optimizing for uniform cross-sections, or planning for circular material flows in manufacture.

In the natural sciences, circularization describes processes that reduce orbital eccentricity or other trajectories toward a circular form. In astronomy, tidal forces can circularize the orbit of a star, planet, or binary system over time, with implications for dynamics and habitability.

Most prominent in contemporary discourse, cirkularisering is used to describe the transition to a circular economy. This involves design for longevity, reuse, remanufacturing, recycling, and material recovery, as well as business models that decouple growth from resource throughput. Indicators may include material turnover rates, recycling rates, and life-cycle assessments.

Implementation challenges include capital costs, fragmented supply chains, data gaps, and the need for standards and incentives. Opportunities include reduced resource dependency, increased resilience, job creation in repair and recycling sectors, and innovations in product design and logistics. See also circular economy, recycling, cradle-to-cradle, and life-cycle assessment.