Circular Economy: A Roadmap To Reducing Plastic Pollution

Plastic waste has become a pressing environmental issue, with heat waves and global warming taking the spotlight. The exponential increase in plastic production and consumption has led to alarming levels of plastic pollution. According to some informed estimates, over 11 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans annually; an equivalent of a garbage truck of plastic being dumped into the oceans every minute. Shockingly, if current trends persist, multiple reports predict more plastic in place of fish in the world's seas by 2050.

One striking example of the impact of plastic on marine life is the great Pacific garbage patch, a massive accumulation of plastic debris floating in the central North Pacific Ocean. This patch has had devastating consequences for marine ecosystems, as aquatic animals mistake plastic pieces for food, leading to internal injuries and death, right down to the level of zooplankton.

Plastic pollution doesn't just affect marine ecosystems; it permeates all aspects of our lives, including the air we breathe, the water we drink, the breast milk of mothers and has even entered the food chain, threatening all life forms. The adverse effects of plastic waste are numerous and require a comprehensive and holistic approach.

Humanity is now at a precipice; and is hard-pressed to consider ways and means to reduce plastic use, mitigate the impact of plastic waste and pollution to enable present as well as future generations to live harmoniously with nature.

A shift to a circular economy could be the best way forward. The transition to a ``refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose, recycle” model could keep resources in use longer, reduce waste generation and mitigate the adverse effects of plastics. 

However, unlike wood, plastic is not biodegradable. And, after a few cycles, it enters the waste chain. While recycling can help buy time and mitigate the risks of landfills and ocean waste, it must not be used to extend the argument to continue with the dependence on plastic.

At the basic level, a circular economy redefines the traditional linear production and consumption model by focusing on recycling, reusing, and redesigning processes. However, this adoption is easier said than done. Developing countries find it very hard and inefficient to adopt to “green” technologies due to prohibitive costs involved. Also, there is no denying the fact that the developing economies also need equal opportunity to compete and achieve better economic status.

Redesigning involves creating products and systems that are sustainable, durable, and recyclable. The developing countries need the support and incentives from the global order to ensure that caring for nature does not deny them the opportunity to rise and compete.

Since plastic pollution is a global problem, the developed countries must provide green products like biodegradable plastics at rates no higher than conventional plastic. Only then can we hope the developing world to participate meaningfully in the process of cleaning up the planet.

At the policy level, a multifaceted approach is required to minimise the use of plastics. Governments can enact regulations that ban or impose taxes on single-use plastics. Second, promoting reusable alternatives through distribution or selling reusable bags, refillable water bottles, and reusable cutlery sets, can create a significant impact. Incentives for reusable products would greatly help. Finally, government bodies can work with businesses to develop and implement initiatives to reduce single-use plastics.

Understanding Eco-design

Eco-design, which aims to minimise environmental impact, plays a vital role in the circular economy and plays a part in the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) that we will discuss later. Under this framework, designers should prioritise renewable, non-toxic materials with low environmental footprints. For example, using sustainably sourced wood instead of plastic or metal for furniture production reduces reliance on fossil fuels and promotes reforestation. 

Efficient collection, sorting, and recycling systems are crucial for supporting a circular economy and addressing the challenges posed by plastic waste. In addition, these systems are vital in reducing resource depletion, minimising pollution, and promoting sustainable development.

Understanding Extended Producer Responsibility 

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is an increasingly popular policy approach that holds manufacturers accountable for the environmental impact of their products. Under an EPR system, manufacturers must take responsibility for collecting, recycling, and properly disposing off their products. This includes designing products for recyclability, using environmentally friendly materials, establishing collection and recycling infrastructure, and financing the management of end-of-life products.

Transitioning to a circular economy necessitates collaboration between governments, businesses, and research institutions.It offers significant economic advantages, such as job creation, resource efficiency, and cost savings, while delivering essential environmental benefits.

In addition, governments are critical to usher in policy frameworks that incentivise circular practices, such as extended producer responsibility and recycling targets. Collaboration with businesses and research institutions helps ensure that such policies are well-informed and effectively implemented. Research institutions can partner with companies to develop new materials, technologies, and processes for recycling and recovering plastic waste. These collaborations can lead to breakthrough innovations that would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling systems.

Government bodies should ensure use of advanced sorting technologies and provide regular training to staff, to enhance waste segregation efficiency. 

An economic and environmental boost 

The Circular economy vis-à-vis plastics has to believe in one reality, “plastics cannot be recycled, only downcycled.
After a few recycles which involve very toxic processes that release dioxins, furans and sometimes, heavy metals, it’s still the landfill or the oceans where the recycled product will end up. Practical plastic waste recycling and recovery help mitigate plastic pollution, preventing it from entering ecosystems and endangering wildlife. By conserving natural resources through recycling, the circular economy reduces the need for materials extraction. Furthermore, recycling and sustainable practices contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.

Additionally, adopting a circular economy approach stimulates innovation and the development of alternate materials and processes. By encouraging research and investment in sustainable solutions, we can create new industries, generate job opportunities, and foster economic growth while reducing our reliance on plastic.

We can break free from the linear "take-make-dispose" model that perpetuates plastic pollution. Instead, we can establish a regenerative system of resource efficiency, minimised waste, and reduced environmental degradation.

Let us embark on this transformative journey towards a sustainable future where plastic pollution becomes a thing of the past. Together, we can create a world where every material has value, every product has a purpose, and every action contributes to a thriving and resilient planet for future generations.

(Paul Abraham is President, Hinduja Foundation.)