Design for degradation or recycling for reuse?

In this perspective article, we discuss a point of conflict between circular economy and green chemistry due to, on the one hand, the need of recycling to fulfill a circular perspective and, on the other, to the concept of design for degradation. By presenting this approach, we aim to discuss the need to consider each process/material/technology from a holistic point of view that is able to embrace societal and economic aspects in addition to scientific impacts and results. In summary, considering the initial gap, we encouraged a new way to boost the interactions and synergies between these two elegant and internationally recognized approaches. We disclose how the design for degradation and circular economy in some cases can look in the same direction and how these concepts can contribute to realize the United Nations sustainable development goals