This Country has the Best Circular Economy…
Circular economies promise a more sustainable future and reduced impact on the planet, but is it a viable option for all countries?
What is a circular economy?
A circular economy is an economic and environmental concept that aims to reduce waste, promote sustainability, and maximize the efficient use of resources. Circular economies offer a different approach to current linear models of production.
Which country has the most circular economy?
Here’s the truth, there is currently no country that is operating a completely perfect circular economy. Several countries have presented roadmaps that they are implementing and following in order to get closer to the goal of having a completely circular economy. In an interview with the Head of Public Affairs at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Joss Blériot was consulted to see what’s motivating different nations to create a circular economy
In summary? Blériot didn’t seem too excited about any country’s particular plan. It was found that countries such as Finland, France, Slovenia, and Italy have presented partial or full roadmaps of their circular economy plans. Germany has also been working on bits of a circular economy.
However, there are several countries have been recognized for their efforts and initiatives in promoting circular economy practices. Some of these countries include:
Finland
Finland has been a leader in circular economy innovation. The country has a national roadmap for a circular economy and has developed programs to promote sustainable design, waste reduction, and resource efficiency. The country was also the first to have its circular economy roadmap published. Due to their roadmap being the first one published, there is a tendency for other governments to use it as a reference and replicate the bits that had success and can are able to be adapted.
Netherlands
The Netherlands is often praised for its strong focus on circular economy policies and initiatives. The Dutch government has set ambitious targets and invested in projects to reduce waste, promote recycling, and encourage sustainable practices in various industries. They developed their circularity roadmap from a more entrepreneurial angle. Their roadmap directly visualizes reaching a circular economy by the year 2050.
Sweden
Sweden is known for its effective waste management and recycling systems. The country has invested in advanced waste-to-energy technologies and has achieved high rates of material recycling.
Denmark
Denmark has been actively working on circular economy strategies, particularly in sustainable agriculture, waste reduction, and industrial symbiosis.
Norway
Norway has implemented policies and initiatives to encourage sustainable practices across sectors, including waste management, energy, and transportation.
Japan
While not often associated with a circular economy, Japan has a history of resource scarcity that has led to innovative practices in recycling, reusing, and reducing waste.
Germany
Germany has a well-established reputation for effective waste separation and recycling programs, which contribute to its circular economy efforts.
France
The circular economy roadmap in France is co-owned by the Ministry of the Ecological Transition and the Ministry of the Economy and Finance, highlighting an incredible example of the need for collaboration within ministries.
Circular economy initiatives can change and develop over time, and new leaders in the field may have emerged since my last update. Additionally, the concept of a "most circular economy" can be subjective and dependent on various factors such as policies, regulations, cultural attitudes, and economic conditions.
Why is it so hard to create a circular economy?
Issues for creating a circular economy arise from the issue of lack of resources. There is the attraction of circular economies for nations come from the possibilities of new growth and an agenda of competitiveness. Growth is based on reconciling economic growth with environmental benefits. This is achieved by moving to regeneration and restoration rather than extraction and consumption, which is easier said than done. The large issue at hand is figuring out how nations achieve this without sacrificing their income-producing industries or losing profits from their natural resources in the name of circularity.
Using Germany as an example, this country was hesitant to even the title of a circular economy and is settling for an economy title closer to resource efficiency. Germany has a heavy industrial economy. Therefore, it had to look at the viability of a circular economy through material flows and availability. Due to the dependency on raw materials to build their cars and their heavy machinery — it was important for them to base their economy on a critical raw materials strategy that could be circular. As a result, they developed the German Mineral Resources Agency in 2010, which has a mission to contribute to an affordable and sustainable mineral raw material supply for Germany. Through this top-down materials management strategy, they were able to implement some elements of circularity without jeopardizing the availability of materials.
Is the US a circular economy?
The United States has been making efforts to transition towards a more circular economy, but it has not fully achieved that status. The U.S. economy still operates primarily on a linear model, where resources are extracted, used, and discarded as waste. However, there are growing initiatives, policies, and businesses that are working to incorporate circular economy principles into various sectors.
How can you help the circular economy?
Would you like to learn more about the circular economy? Click here to access our blog and read full articles on different topics, such as circularity and sustainability.
At Carom, we inform you of the newest sustainable information and the best circular companies to redirect your linear purchases. As a part of our eco-activist team, you will receive information to help you make sustainable choices while allowing us to hold corporations accountable for their effect on the ecosystem.
Our eco-activist membership is a great way to stay updated with what is happening worldwide while supporting linear systems to be transformed. You are helping the world by staying informed and becoming a part of something larger!
