WBCSD and UNEP Launch Global Circularity Protocol for Business at COP30

The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the One Planet Network (UNEP) officially launched the Global Circularity Protocol for Business (GCP) at COP30 in Belém on 11 November 2025.

This marks the world’s first globally harmonized, voluntary framework enabling companies to measure, manage, and communicate circularity in a science-based and consistent manner.

What Is the GCP?

The GCP is a comprehensive and standardized methodology that allows businesses to track and improve their circularity performance. It was co-developed with insights from 150+ experts and 80+ organizations spanning industries and regions.

The protocol establishes a common global language for circularity, aligns with key sustainability systems such as GRI, ISO, and the GHG Protocol, and supports companies of all sizes in transitioning from linear to circular operations.

Features of the GCP

1. Science-Based Structure: Grounded in lifecycle thinking and internationally aligned sustainability principles.
2. Flexible Application: Usable across materials, products, services, and full corporate systems.
3. Practical Five-Step Process: Frame → Prepare → Measure → Manage → Communicate
4. Reporting Alignment: Designed to support global ESG reporting needs and help harmonize circularity disclosures.

Potential Global Impact

If widely adopted, the GCP could deliver major sustainability benefits by 2050, including:

• 120 billion tonnes of material savings
• 76 gigatons CO₂e emissions avoided
• 11–12% annual reduction in PM2.5 pollution (2026–2050)
• 0.7–1.1 million km² less arable land use
• USD 4.5 trillion in new economic value
• 6 million new circular jobs globally

These projections position GCP as a central tool for meeting global climate and resource-efficiency goals.

Business Benefits

• Stronger resource and supply-chain risk management
• Enhanced resilience and operational efficiency
• Clearer ESG reporting and compliance readiness
• Identification of circularity “hotspots”
• Boosted innovation, competitiveness, and market leadership

WBCSD President Peter Bakker noted that circularity has become a “strategic business necessity” for long-term growth.

Policymaker Advantages

For governments, the GCP provides:

• A standardized global metric for circularity
• Improved harmonization of regulations across borders
• Support for setting and tracking national circularity targets
• Stronger collaboration between industry and policy stakeholders

Implementation the GCP

• Review GCP v1.0 fundamentals
• Map material flows across operations and product lifecycles
• Engage suppliers in circularity data sharing
• Integrate GCP indicators into ESG dashboards
• Pilot circular strategies such as reuse, repair, and remanufacturing

Reference: COP-30