The Circular Economy was the subject of this event so it was commendable that there were sessions dedicated to three other critical elements. We have to acknowledge that this is the starting point of this alternative economic system for the 21stCentury.
Here are three critical elements of CE:
Where are the business models around “Reuse and Refill”?
- Reuse is unfortunately still at ground zero with many failed pilots. It needs an overhaul of policy which has to step in to change the landscape entirely.
- It is unfair to rely on the courage and patience of reuse/refill entrepreneurs to bring in systemic changes.
- It cannot be that corporations are stuck in a behaviour which does not align with fundamental principles of CE.
- How can reuse complement single use?
- What is the relevance of the global plastic treaty with respect to reuse? How do we make the reuse targets in EPR work?
- How can we use the bad examples to ensure that the policy addresses this?
- Behaviour changes for reuse include building motivation, trust, habit, and incentives.
Advancing a Just Transition through “Circular Procurement”
- Circular procurement is inclusive, helps in cross-industry collaboration, and is high on social impact.
- Integrating social business into corporate supply chains is critical.
- Social businesses need to be reliable, deliver good quality service, and have a sound vision to help in quick integration into circular procurement systems.
- Traditional procurement practices vs. new approach requires awareness at leadership levels and changes in corporate policies.
- Design tenders to include social business.
“Institutional Setup” for a Circular Transition
- Do institutional frameworks exist for CE?
- If so, are they accelerating or blocking the global transition to a circular economy?
- How can targeted governance overcome challenges and unlock circular potential in your region of the world?
- Do we have common yardsticks to arrive at the CE indicators?
We hope that a roadmap around these questions and reflections will evolve over the next one year. We hope to hear more success stories around the three elements when WCEF meets in India, in November 2026.
