Illustration: Waste management and recycling are supporting circular economy’s ecosystem (Source: MAD.vertise, shutterstock)

Since the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on 5 September 2015 at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters, world leaders have officially ratified the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agenda as a global development agreement.

This commitment underscores world leaders’ dedication to universal equality and equitable development for all nations without exception. In this regard, developed countries have a moral obligation to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This endeavor aims to eradicate poverty, reduce social inequality, and protect the environment.

To achieve the SDGs targets, the government has proposed a circular economy as one of the solutions. The circular economy is a new industrial model centered around reducing, reusing, and recycling, aimed at decreasing the consumption of primary resources and waste production.

The circular economy has gradually begun to be promoted in several countries, as an approach to a circular economic system by maximizing the usefulness and added value of raw materials, components, and products.

In recent years, the transformation towards a circular economy has begun to be widely implemented in Indonesia. The government has actively promoted this economic paradigm, recognizing its potential to yield positive environmental impacts and foster growth across various development sectors in the future.

The Long-Term Benefits of a Circular Economy

The circular economy stands in stark contrast to the linear economic system. As we know, in a linear economy, natural resources are extracted on a massive scale to meet the needs and realize public welfare.

However, in the end, this has led to negative consequences such as increasing waste, pollution, and emissions that degrade environmental quality. The linear economic system, with its take-make-dispose model, has threatened the survival of species, contaminated land and water, and contributed to global warming. Furthermore, material extraction in 2050 could reach 170 to 184 gigatons per year if current business practices continue.

In contrast, the circular economy, characterized by its emphasis on innovative and efficient industries, has proven to be a powerful tool in reducing the consumption of primary resources and waste. Consequently, it has emerged as a central component of the global effort to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The foundational principles underlying the circular economy include:

1. Sustainable Product Design

Products are designed with a holistic approach to their entire lifecycle. This includes the selection of recyclable raw materials, the utilization of environmentally friendly substances, the extension of product durability, and the enhancement of recyclability.

2. Efficient Resource Management

The circular economy aims to optimize resource use by minimizing waste, enhancing efficiency, and prolonging the lifespan of materials within the economic system. This is accomplished through practices such as repair, maintenance, reuse, and product sharing.

3. Recycling and Material Recovery

Once a product has reached the end of its service life, its materials are recycled or recovered to ensure their continued use within the economy. Recycling processes can involve the transformation of materials into new raw materials or their utilization as a sustainable energy source.

4. Stakeholder Partnerships and Involvement

The implementation of a circular economy necessitates collaboration among a diverse range of stakeholders, such as governments, enterprises, consumers, and other institutions. This entails the coordination of supply chains, investments in recycling infrastructure, the enhancement of consumer awareness and education, and the development of policies and regulations aligned with the principles of a circular economy.

To ensure equitable and sustainable development, it is necessary to raise awareness and educate the public to shift from linear economic patterns to circular ones. Through this transition, the circular economy is expected to become a more beneficial economic model for sustainable development and to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).