Much of the work and focus in the circular economy is based around disrupting standard linear economy business models of “take-make-waste” to ones where higher proportions of resources can be recycled with minimal disposal. Written by Clive Reffell.
Poland, as an example, released its “Roadmap towards the Transition to the Circular Econom” in 2019. Its key aims are to maximise the value of raw materials and resources, and to minimise waste that cannot be re-used or recycled. In particular, Poland has great potential for improvement concerning industrial waste, such as from mining and extraction, industrial processing, and energy production and supply (the primary source of electrical power and heat remains burning coal and lignite).
It’s not that circular economy practices are not or cannot be profitable. But where it makes a difference is how “value” is recognised and measured, what it represents to different stakeholders, when it is measured, and how it is distributed
The article main points:
- Sharing economy
- Beyond tangibles
- Where the circular economy delivers bigger benefits
- Crowdfunding supports circular economy initiatives
- B Corps provide longer term circular economy opportunities
- What next for the circular economy?
We’ve shown examples of circular economy practices used around the world. It is a growing trend as it is vital for regenerative and sustainable growth. For it to go beyond individual and piecemeal efforts there are requirements for industry-wide standards, policies and often a regulatory infrastructure. Nice one!
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