The Global Circularity Protocol for Business (GCP) has been officially launched at COP30. Developed by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the UNEP-hosted One Planet Network, the GCP is a voluntary, science-based framework designed to help companies measure, manage, and communicate their circular performance and impacts. It sets a new benchmark for harmonised circularity metrics across industries and geographies.
Created in collaboration with over 150 experts from more than 80 organisations (including leading businesses, policymakers, and scientific advisors) the launch is widely seen as a major milestone in circular economy standards.
Analysis from WBCSD and One Planet Network highlights the significant opportunity the GCP brings, finding that with widespread adoption up to 120 billion tonnes of materials could be saved by 2050, equivalent to one year’s current global consumption. Further, GCP adoption could avoid up to 76 gigatons of CO₂ emissions by 2050 - equivalent to one and a half times current annual global emissions.
In a press release Peter Bakker, WBCSD President and CEO, said: “The Global Circularity Protocol for Business sets a new benchmark for corporate performance and accountability. Circularity is no longer optional – it is a strategic necessity for the resilience of business and the health of our planet. The GCP provides companies with standardized, science-based metrics and a clear roadmap for measurable action, enabling leaders to drive tangible progress, build resilience, and deliver long-term value to both business and planet”[i].
Jorge Laguna-Celis, Head of One Planet Network, added: “The GCP delivers what the circular economy has long lacked: a globally harmonized framework to help companies measure, manage, and disclose circularity impacts”[ii].
The GCP will enable businesses to transition away from wasteful linear models by providing standardised steps and metrics for reducing waste, cutting emissions, and creating value. By aligning with leading global standards, the Protocol enables credible, comparable reporting and supports companies in meeting rising regulatory and stakeholder expectations.
WBCSD and One Planet Network claim that the GCP can double the pace at which businesses reach advanced circularity maturity levels, and improvements in circularity could unlock $4.5 trillion in economic growth - creating 6 million new jobs through activities such as recycling, repair, renting, and remanufacturing.
Further, the protocol is expected to drive 11-12% annual reductions in PM2.5 air pollution between 2026 and 2050, contributing to significant public health gains. Additionally, it could also reduce arable land occupation by up to 2.9% (0.7-1.1 million km²) – comparable to the size of Ethiopia – by 2050.
Early adopters include Philips, TOMRA, and Vale, with Philips Global Lead Circularity, Harald Tepper, stating: “GCP1.0 offers a clear and unified approach to set ambitious and adequate goals for circularity – a much-needed step towards a sustainable and healthy future”[iii].
Tove Andersen, President and CEO, TOMRA, added: “The GCP is important to TOMRA because it provides a common framework for businesses to measure progress on circularity initiatives. This is vital for ensuring that change can occur at scale, supporting circularity targets and policymaking going forward”[iv].
[ii] Ibid
[iii] Ibid
[iv] Ibid
Lauren has extensive experience as an analyst and market researcher in the digital technology and travel sectors. She has a background in researching and forecasting emerging technologies, with a particular passion for the Videogames and eSports industries. She joined the Critical Information Group as Head of Reports and Market Research at GRC World Forums, and leads the content and data research team at the Zero Carbon Academy. “What drew me to the academy is the opportunity to add content and commentary around sustainability across a wealth of industries and sectors.”
