Which statement is NOT a potential benefit of the circular economy?

• A. Increased waste
• B. Cost savings
• C. Resilience
• D. New revenue streams

Answer: (A)

The circular economy aims to design out waste and keep materials in use, so it emphasizes reducing, reusing, remanufacturing, and recycling to close loops. Increased waste directly contradicts that goal and would indicate a failure to keep materials circulating, so it’s not a potential benefit.

Cost savings come from using materials more efficiently, reducing raw material purchases, extending product life, and cutting disposal or environmental compliance costs. Resilience arises as supply chains become more diverse and less dependent on virgin inputs, with local reuse and recycling options buffering against price shocks. New revenue streams emerge from services built around products—such as refurbishing, remanufacturing, upgrading, or leasing—creating value without always selling new products.

So the statement that describes more waste is not a benefit of a circular approach, while the other statements reflect tangible advantages that circular economy practices can deliver.