The circular economy is recognised by the South African government as a new source of economic growth for a re-industrialised, modern South African economy. Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is a fundamental part of evidencing and facilitating South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon, circular economy.
The circular economy is acknowledged as being about more than just waste management. The circular economy provides a lens through which to understand South Africa’s resource availability and use, and a way to manage associated risks and unlock opportunities in support of national development objectives as outlined in the National Development Plan 2030.
Transitioning to a circular economy is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’, nor is it only an environmental agenda. The circular economy is an economic imperative for every country facing growing resource insecurity and global environmental, social and economic challenges. The intent of national policy is to transition to a low-carbon, sustainable and resilient economy that supports the needs of all South Africans. This creates opportunities for job creation and enterprise development within various sectors of the South African economy.
What is a circular economy?
The circular economy is recognized globally as an opportunity to reframe economic development and unlock new opportunities for growth and employment; while achieving global commitments relating to climate change and sustainable development, and reducing the negative impacts associated with both resource extraction and waste (Nahman et al., 2021).
In contrast to the linear economic model, a circular economy “entails keeping materials and products in circulation for as long as possible through practices such as reuse of products, sharing of underused assets, repairing, recycling and remanufacturing”8.
A circular economy therefore minimises the need for extraction of primary resources, while also reducing waste. It provides opportunities for improved resource efficiency and resource security, reduced energy and materials consumption, and reduced climate impacts; while offering new sources of economic growth and job creation. In short, it supports improved socio-economic development and well-being, while reducing associated environmental and human health impacts.
The circular economy is based on three principles:
- Design out waste and pollution;
- Keep products and materials in use; and
- Regenerate natural systems