The societal strength of transition

The societal strength of transition: a critical review of the circular economy through the lens of inclusion

Liu, Z. (TU Delft Integral Design & Management)
Schraven, D.F.J. (TU Delft Integral Design & Management)
de Jong, Martin (Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam; Fudan University)
Hertogh, M.J.C.M. (TU Delft Integral Design & Management; Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam)

2023

Realizing a circular economy (CE) has been widely recognized by practitioners and researchers as the key to the transition toward sustainability. Thus far the academic emphasis has been predominantly on economic and environmental aspects. However, the development and implementation of CE initiatives actually rely on extensive collaboration at the societal level. Hence, an understanding of how a more inclusive society can strengthen the transition is warranted. By systematically and critically reviewing the related academic literature, the results of this paper show that sensitivity to inclusion aspects is crucial to alleviate the transitional burdens on society. Seven main aspects were discerned on inclusion: (1) informal waste pickers, (2) e-waste and health risks, (3) accessibility of services/materials/facilities, (4) consumer behavior, (5) corporate and institutional involvement, (6) technology application, and (7) governance measures. Following these insights, a strong sustainability perspective and agenda on the CE transition are proposed by identifying key actors and structuring their interrelationships as an inclusive system.

circular economy
Inclusion
informal sector
strong sustainability
waste management

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:67f69fd2-d81f-40cb-a207-e6a96584b8ca

https://doi.org/10.1080/13504509.2023.2208547

1350-4509

International Journal of Sustainable Development and World Ecology, 30 (7), 826-849

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2023 Z. Liu, D.F.J. Schraven, Martin de Jong, M.J.C.M. Hertogh