The Circularity Gap Report Finance is the first empirical global study that quantifies and explains the global financial streams to circular business models, such as resale and repair, which allows for estimating the ‘gap’ in finance for a circular economy. It was authored by the Amsterdam-based impact organisation Circle Economy in collaboration with KPMG International, with support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
The report highlights that circular economy investments can deliver risk-adjusted returns. Circular business models generate additional revenue, unlock new markets, and deliver greater value from fewer resources. In addition, circularity is emerging as a key strategy for the financial sector to manage resource risks from supply chain disruptions and material scarcity—risks that are now more relevant than ever, considering trade wars and geopolitical instability.
The sector increasingly recognises these benefits: investment in the circular economy has grown from US$ 10 billion in 2018 to US$ 28 billion in 2023, peaking at US$ 42 billion in 2021. While this upward trend signals a strengthening business case for circularity, the failure to surpass the 2021 peak suggests waning momentum. Banks account for the majority of these investments in the form of debt. Nevertheless, circular investments still represent just 2% of all tracked capital (in the scope of this report), suggesting a vast unrealised potential.
Investments mainly go to conventional applications of circularity, like rental and repair, which have existed for decades. High-impact solutions and innovations in design and production received just 4.7% of all investment, despite their potential to eliminate waste and pollution at the source.