Cohesion the key ingredient in shifting to circular economy, experts say

AMMAN — In a recent paper titled “Circular Economy: An Opportunity to Promote Growth in Jordan”, the Jordan Strategy Forum (JSF) examined and identified the drivers and barriers in Jordan’s transition to a circular economy.

The paper defined a circular economy as a system of economic activities connected with zero waste and regenerated and recycled material use. In a circular economy, economic activity is mediated through sustainable mechanisms and the “natural life cycle” of products.

The paper recommended the development of shared services platforms, the adoption of measures that ensure the sustainable exploitation of resources and the facilitation of implementing sustainable industrialisation practices in order to help Jordan shift towards this economic model.

Commenting on the JSF paper, economist Husam Ayesh said that transitioning to a circular economic approach would “certainly protect natural capital, improve resource efficiency and ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns”, while unlocking new opportunities.

“The circular economy is becoming more and more relevant, and has now become a central topic discussed by governments. But, to apply circularity here in Jordan, we need to localise the concept,” Ayesh told The Jordan Times on Saturday. 

The circular model requires that the government establish new circular policies and incentives; efforts of all relevant entities are needed to mainstream circular practices, Ayesh said.

“To embed a circular approach and further the circular agenda in Jordan, it is important to have all relevant stakeholders working together,” economist Waseem Hussein told The Jordan Times, noting that circularity is a “crucial instrument” for generating new job opportunities and bolstering the economy.

Keeping resources within a “closed loop” and reusing materials as long as possible would lead to a decrease in Jordan’s dependence on imported materials, which eventually positively impacts the local economy, according to Hussein. 

The transition to circular economic systems also calls for an increased reliance on technologies and innovation, Hussein said, noting that the model cannot be achieved through traditional models and strategies.