Circular Economy Flow:er
The Flow:er is a research-based circular economy visualisation rooted in interrelatedness, consumer inclusion, and co-creation. It was recently published in the Journal of Circular Economy (Wahlström, 2025).
Nature has been a considerable source of inspiration in creating this visual metaphor. In contrast to our current economic system, which is largely based on taking, making, and disposing of resources, nature is all about give-and-take relationships with no waste generated.
The Flow:er visualizes what we need to do. We need to Reduce the use and consumption of resources, use and Reuse products and components for as long as possible, and we need to Recycle the materials at the end of the products’ life cycles. Last but not least, the Flow:er emphasizes the need to Return, which encompasses both the recovery of resources for new cycles and giving back to nature to regenerate ecosystems. Additionally, returning suggests reconnecting with nature on a personal level to foster a sense of gratitude, care, generosity, and wellbeing.
People and organisations need to collaborate to make this happen. It is similar to the relationship between flowers and bees: flowers cannot reproduce without bees, and bees cannot survive without flowers. And even if the flower and the bee have found each other, they cannot survive in isolation; they depend on their natural ecosystem. People, organizations, and nature need to join forces through mutually beneficial relationships to co-create solutions and experiences that can enable longevity and circular flows of resources.
The Flow:er represents a vision in which both organizations, individuals and nature can flourish.
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Publication:
Wahlström, F. (2025) Circular Economy Flow:er – A Visualisation Rooted in Interrelatedness, Consumer Inclusion, and Co-creation. Journal of Circular Economy, 3.3. DOI (open access)
By Fanny Wahlström 2024 (Last updated: 13th December, 2025)
FANNY WAHLSTRÖM 