In recent years, circular economy (CE) and resource efficiency (RE) have taken centre stage in the G7 and G20 processes, contributed to the sustainable development agenda (SDGs), and played a role in addressing climate change. Circular economic processes aim to realise resource circulation. In other words, they are not linear, but cyclical flows encompassing procurement, production, consumption, and disposal—through practices such as recycling, reuse, remanufacturing, resource-efficient product development, and sharing.
Transitions to circular economic models are increasingly perceived as a positive and strategic approach to contributing toward climate neutrality, economic competitiveness, and social inclusion. In contrast, traditional linear economic models often imply overconsumption, generate excessive waste, and result in significantly higher nocive emissions throughout the value chain. As such, promoting circularity is essential for building resilient, low-carbon economies and achieving long-term sustainability goals.
What's New
Keyword
Keyword 01: International policy trends of Resource Efficiency/ Circular Economy with focus on policy development
Resource Efficiency (RE) and Circular Economy (CE) are now under the spotlight in the international community. The increased global attention to RE and CE has been triggered by the EU’s Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe (2011), and its Circular Economy Policy Package (2015). This Keyword document provides an overview of current global policy trends on RE and CE, as well as Japan's actions for CE.
Expert's View
Opportunities and Challenges for Establishing a Route for Recyclables that Targets Valuable Materials
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Outline of Speech at the STS Forum (7 October 2018, Kyoto)
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(Commentary for the WCEF 2018) Japan’s experience: World Circular Economy Forum 2018 offers a new opportunity for circular economy
Chika AOKI, IGES |