A Convergence Framework for Circular Economy: Connecting Japan's Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency Principles With WBCSD 's Global Circularity Protocol Following COP29

ABSTRACT The circular economy (CE) paradigm has emerged as a crucial agenda for addressing contemporary sustainability challenges, encompassing resource optimization, environmental stewardship, and regulatory adherence while meeting evolving market demands for sustainable products. Despite widespread corporate adoption, the implementation of CE practices faces significant challenges due to heterogeneous landscapes across jurisdictions. Two notable initiatives have emerged to address these challenges: (1) Japan's Circular Economy and Resource Efficiency Principles (CEREP), which establishes a comprehensive framework for public‐private collaboration and policy alignment, and (2) the World Business Council for Sustainable Development's Global Circularity Protocol (GCP), which provides standardized metrics for corporate circularity performance and innovation assessment. At COP29 (November 2024), Japan advanced the integration of CEREP with GCP, presenting a unified approach toward achieving a net‐zero, nature‐positive economy. This article examines the synergistic potential of combining CEREP and GCP to accelerate both local and global CE transitions. The study presents a systematic analysis of pressing environmental challenges, followed by a critical evaluation of CEREP and GCP frameworks, culminating in the development of an integrated framework. This research will be particularly valuable for policymakers, corporate strategists, and sustainability scholars investigating the convergence of national CE frameworks with global protocols.