What is circular economy?
What is the circular economy?
The idea of the circular economy has gained great interest and momentum in recent years, so that the circular economy has become a sustainable alternative to the traditional (linear) economy, which follows the approach: “Extraction –Production – Disposal”. The circular economy seeks to redefine the way we produce and consume, and change our outlook towards the process of disposing of consumed goods and materials. Hence, in its pursuit, the circular economy relies on waste design principles, product retention standards, and procedures for regenerating natural systems.
The circular economy is a system based on a closed economic circle, far from the traditional method that extends through a linear supply chain. Resources are constantly recycled – according to the closed loop concept – to different sectors of the economy. This reduces the need to extract new raw materials, and also limits the environmental impact. This transformation requires reimagining the concept ofbusinessand forms of consumer behaviour, as well as requiring cooperation between companies, institutions, governments and civil society to pursue this sustainable approach.
In the circular economy, innovation is used to promote sustainability, develop recyclable and reusable products, boost local economies, and create new job opportunities; Therefore, the circular economy is an effective tool in addressing global environmental challenges, the most important of which are:Climate change, and resource depletion, as well as a tool through which Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can be achieved at the economic, environmental and social levels.
The transition to a circular economy requires comprehensive cooperation, joint efforts between allstakeholders, and the adoption of new business models and supportive legislation and policies, as investing in the circular economy can lead to a more sustainable and more prosperous future for humanity and the entire planet. Based on the above, we will answer the question: What is the meaning of circular economy?
ConceptCircular Economy
The circular economy has two goals. The first goal is to eliminatewaste of resources. For this purpose, the circular economy relies on many concepts: reuse – sharing – repair and renewal – remanufacturing – recycling, all to create a closed-circuit system. So we can use resources responsibly, reduce waste emissions, and reduce pollution.
The other goal is to maintain the use of products, equipment and infrastructure for as long as possible. Thus improving the productivity of these resources. Hence, waste must be transformed into resources that are used in other processes, from which new products are produced. This is an approach that contradicts traditional economics.
Proponents of the circular economy believe that a sustainable world does not mean sacrificing the quality of life of consumers, and that this can be achieved without loss of revenue, or for countries and individuals to incur additional costs for manufacturers. Allowing us to continue to enjoy sustainable products and services.
The role of countries in the circular economy
An infographic published by the Cabinet Information Center shows that Egypt has achieved remarkable progress in strengthening its circular economy, according to the Circular Economy Report 2020, a report that indicates that entrepreneurs’ initiatives in recycling waste and enhancing the role of the state have contributed to strengthening the circular economy at the global level.
- Germany
Many view Germany as a unique model of environmental conservation policies and sustainable management of natural resources. Because it followed effective policies to reduce the use of plastic in its industrial processes, and because it worked to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its investment projects, and Zurich was the most prominent German city that followed such sustainable policies.
In the field of recycling – specifically – we find that Germany is a country with great experience, especially that experience related to legislating waste recycling laws, as it was able to establish projects capable of generating fuel and energy from waste.
- Netherlands
In 2016, the Dutch government implemented a series of measures; To achieve a rapid transition towards a circular economy, including reducing demand for raw materials, developing innovative low-carbon production methods, encouraging thoughtful consumption, and the use of recycled materials.
The Netherlands is not alone in this field, as many countries – such as Finland, Denmark, Slovenia, France, Italy, and Spain – have developed strategies and plans to achieve a circular economy and preserve the value of products, materials and resources for a longer time.
- China
China has adopted a circular economy strategy since 2002, as part of economic development, and then – in 2009 – the “Promoting the Circular Economy” law was issued. In addition to those countries, there isthe European Commission, which also adopted the Circular Economy Plan for Europe in 2011.
In conclusion, we say – in brief – that the circular economy is strategies – such as recycling, reuse, use of renewable materials, and product design – through which we can renew and extend the life of products, and use resources with high efficiency, bytransforming waste from a problem into a promising opportunity at all levels.
In confirmation of the above, many countries – as well as international organizations – are adopting the concept of the circular economy, and working to implement it by enhancing cooperation between governments and the private sector. To achieve the desired change. The circular economy can lead to many benefits, such as: saving resources and energy, reducing harmful emissions to the environment, promoting innovation, and creating new job opportunities. Therefore, we must all increase sustainable efforts in order to change the current economic pattern, adopt the concept of sustainability, and raise awareness of the importance of preserving resources,and reducing waste.
