The spiral economy is an advanced approach to the circular economy that acknowledges real thermodynamic and economic limits, proposing that materials cannot be recycled infinitely in a perfect loop. Instead, it encourages closing material cycles multiple times ("spirals") through reuse and extended lifespans, accepting gradual but controlled degradation.
Principles and Characteristics of the Spiral Economy: Recognition of limits: Unlike the ideal circular economy, the spiral accepts partial irrecyclability and material loss (entropy). Extending useful life: The main objective is to reuse, repair, and remanufacture products to prolong their use before final degradation. Waste management: Waste is considered raw material, with the aim of reinserting it into the production system as many times as possible before it becomes final waste. Systemic change: It seeks the dematerialization, decarbonization, and deenergization of the economy, moving from a linear "extract-produce-dispose" model to a metabolic one of closed loops. Difference from the Classical Circular Economy: The circular economy is often described as a perfect cycle, while the "spiral" is a more realistic and technical description of how materials slowly degrade through multiple use cycles. This approach promotes more realistic sustainability, focusing on efficiency. metabolic aspects of the economic system and the continuous valorization of resources
