International Journal of Business and Economic Development, Vol. 10 Number 1 May 2022 www.ijbed.org A Journal of the Centre for Business & Economic Research (CBER) 20 A critical examination of the importance of sustainability in the circular economy: UK perspective Mirela Ionela Chirea University of Bolton, UK Palto Datta Regent College, UK Keywords Circular economy, sustainability, air pollution, renovating, climate change, social circular economy Abstract Purpose: The purpose of this research is to examine how the concept of sustainability might operate in a circular economy in order to contribute to economic growth Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative survey questionnaire research strategy was utilised in conjunction with a deductive research approach to elicit information about the topic by referencing the most recent and pertinent literature. This study combines primary and secondary sources. To achieve the research objectives, primary data is acquired via questionnaires. Over a 20-day period, 30 companies representing a variety of industries were approached face to face, via email, and via LinkedIn. Findings: According to the research findings, corporations are becoming increasingly aware of the circular economy and its implications for sustainability. The findings also revealed that businesses are eager to transition to a circular economy and believe there is a link between the two concepts. Practical implications: The study provides a critical perspective on the current state of the circular economy and the importance of sustainability in the circular economy. The research goes beyond the scholarly community's efforts to improve knowledge of the circular economy and the relationship between sustainability and the circular economy. Originality/value: This study contributes significantly to the scarcity of academic evidence on the relationship between the two concepts, and it is an important step toward a better understanding of how businesses can use circular economies to advance toward a more sustainable society. Corresponding author: Mirela Ionela Chirea Email address for corresponding author: mirela_chirea@yahoo.com First submission received: 9 th December 2021 Revised submission received: 16 th April 2022 Accepted: 20 th May 2022 1.1 Introduction & background of the research According to Murray et al. (2017), the circular economy is the most recent attempt to envision the long-term convergence of commercial growth and environmental health. The circular economy's key components are related with its restorative and regenerative idea, which attempts to reduce pollution and consumption through closing cycles. This involves the development of a production recycle strategy that identifies where leakage and pollution occur and how they may be handled or prevented (Ellenmacarthurfoundation.org, 2017). The circular economy encompasses more than just material recovery and recycling. This also supports the use of non-renewable energy sources such as biomass, wind, and renewable electricity. This appears to be comparable to how plants manufacture nutrition in the environment, in which they use nutrients from decomposing matter, rainwater, and the sun's energy