We need an overall circular economy plan

Public’s role: Educating the public about the importance of recycling is essential to achieving a circular economy. — Filepic/The Star

THE linear economy is no longer tenable and the world needs to move towards the circular economy. However, implementing a circular economy – in which materials and resources are reused, recycled, or regenerated – faces several significant obstacles. Many sectors lack the necessary infrastructure for efficient recycling, remanufacturing, and refurbishing.

E-waste, for instance, is a growing concern as the world becomes increasingly digital. Many e-products are not designed for reuse, repair, or recycling. Components might be hard to disassemble, or recycling systems might not be able to handle some materials. New technologies are needed here – and therein lies a big issue: The shift to circular systems often requires large investments in new technologies, infrastructure, and processes. Currently, linear business models (take-make-dispose) are still more profitable than circular models. Companies may struggle to make circular practices cost competitive without government incentives or consumer demand.