Ellen MacArthur Foundation

Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Name	Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Founded	0 2010
Founder	Dame Ellen MacArthur
Location	Cowes, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom
Key people	Andrew Morlet (CEO)
Focus	Circular economy
Website	https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org

Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a prominent international charity established in 2010 by record-breaking yachtswoman Dame Ellen MacArthur. It works to accelerate the transition to a circular economy, a systemic economic model designed to eliminate waste, circulate products and materials, and regenerate nature. The organization collaborates with a global network of businesses, governments, and academic institutions to develop and promote circular solutions, aiming to tackle some of the world's most pressing challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

History and founding

The foundation was launched in 2010 by Dame Ellen MacArthur, whose solo sailing experiences, particularly during her 2005 Vendée Globe circumnavigation, gave her a profound understanding of finite resources. After retiring from professional sailing, she dedicated herself to studying global resource flows with leading scientists and economists, including at the University of Cambridge and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This research culminated in the establishment of the charity, with initial support from partners like BT Group and National Grid, to champion the circular economy framework as a necessary alternative to the traditional linear economy.

Mission and goals

Its core mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. The organization aims to redesign the global economic system by moving away from the "take-make-waste" model towards one that is regenerative by design. Key goals include eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products and materials at their highest value, and regenerating natural systems. It seeks to achieve this by providing robust evidence, developing practical tools and frameworks, and fostering collaboration across key sectors of the global economy, influencing policy at institutions like the European Commission and the World Economic Forum.

Key initiatives and programmes

The foundation runs several flagship programmes to drive systemic change. Its CE100 network is a pre-competitive innovation platform connecting corporations, governments, cities, and academic institutions to develop circular opportunities. The Circular Economy Initiative focuses on deep-dive analyses of specific material flows, such as plastics, fashion, and food. Educational efforts are spearheaded by Pioneering Universities and a schools programme, while its insight and analysis team produces influential reports, often in collaboration with partners like McKinsey & Company and the World Wildlife Fund.

Circular economy advocacy and impact

It has been instrumental in establishing the circular economy as a critical framework for sustainable development on the global stage. Its influential reports, such as those on the New Plastics Economy and the circular economy opportunity for Europe, have shaped industry and policy agendas. The foundation's advocacy has influenced major corporate commitments from companies like Unilever, Google, and IKEA, and informed legislative proposals, including the European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan and discussions at the United Nations Climate Change conference.

Partnerships and collaborations

Collaboration is central to its model, involving a vast network of partners across the public and private sectors. Core strategic partners have included Philips, SUN, and the MAVA Foundation. It works closely with cities through the Circular Cities Network and engages with policymakers at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the G7. Academic partnerships with institutions like the University of Exeter and the Tongji University help advance circular economy research and education globally.

Recognition and influence

The foundation is widely recognized as a leading authority on the circular economy. Dame Ellen MacArthur's advocacy earned her a role as a Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environment Programme. The organization's work has received accolades from forums such as the World Economic Forum and has significantly shifted the discourse within major institutions, including the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Its annual Summit and regular publications are considered pivotal events and resources for the global sustainability community.

Category:Charities based in the United Kingdom Category:Environmental organizations established in 2010 Category:Circular economy