The Evaluation of Circular Economy in the Slovak Republic Based on Selected Indicators

At present, we are increasingly aware of the need to move towards a sustainable and ecologically friendly economy. An innovative approach to a sustainable and ecological economy that is gaining in importance is the concept of circular economy. The circular economy is a systemic approach to economic development and a paradigm shift from the traditional concept of the linear economy model “extraction – production – consumption – disposal – depletion”. The circular economy is characterized by zero waste through resource conservation, as a changed concept of production processes design, production process and selected materials for a higher life cycle and preservation of all kinds of resources, material and/or energy recovery during all processes and at the end of the life cycle. The products could be used as an input material in a new production pro­cess in a value chain with a closed cycle of materials that improves efficiency resources, and resource productivity, benefits businesses and society, creates job opportunities and ensures environmental sustainability.