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A just transition to a circular economy is essential for building a net-zero, nature-positive, and more equitable future. Yet, many businesses still struggle to fully address the societal dimensions of circularity. To bridge this gap, the CTI Social Impact guidance offers companies a practical and socially inclusive framework to integrate human rights and labour considerations into their circular strategies.

This new guidance was developed in partnership with Utrecht ľ¹Ï¸£ÀûÓ°ÊÓ’s Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development, KPMG, and in consultation with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development member companies. The project introduces a just transition-lensed methodology that enables businesses to assess key social and human rights risks and identify opportunities to create quality jobs and foster inclusion in circular business models.

Building on the globally recognised Circular Transition Indicators (CTI), CTI Social Impact provides a structured, three-part approach to help organisations:

• Design inclusive circular strategies that support social equity
• Identify circular initiatives that deliver improved outcomes for workers and communities
• Evaluate company readiness to manage circularity-related social risks
• Develop effective risk-mitigation strategies
  Highlight ways to enhance job quality and deliver broader societal value

The Copernicus Institute research team played a key role in the development of this framework. Led by Lis Suarez-Visbal, with support from Laura Piscicelli, Blanca Corona, and Jesus Rosales-Carreón, the team contributed academic expertise and field knowledge to ensure the guidance is grounded in rigorous sustainability science and real-world relevance.