How the circular economy can reach its full potential

How the circular economy can reach its full potential

How the circular economy can reach its full potential
By transforming waste into raw materials, circular economy systems drive better product design and environmental progress. (AFP)
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Integrating systems thinking with circular economy models can enhance environmental sustainability, improve resource efficiency, and build long-term resilience.

Systems thinking provides a framework for understanding how different elements within a system interact. When applied to sustainability, it helps assess the broader impact of environmental strategies. The circular economy, meanwhile, focuses on keeping resources in continuous use by repurposing materials and regenerating them for future applications.

A key approach within this framework is life cycle analysis, which evaluates a product’s environmental impact from resource extraction to disposal. According to a 2023 report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, companies that adopt LCA strategies can reduce material use by 30 percent and lower their carbon footprint by 20 percent.

By transforming waste into raw materials, circular economy systems drive better product design and environmental progress. Businesses that implement systemic innovation see, on average, a 25 percent improvement in operational performance and a 15 percent reduction in production costs.

For circular economy initiatives to succeed, collaboration is essential. Governments, businesses, local communities, NGOs, and academic institutions all play a role in driving sustainable change.

The EU, for example, has developed the Circular Economy Action Plan, which sets recycling targets, funds eco-innovation projects, and assigns sustainability responsibilities to manufacturers. Standardized regulations help businesses transition to circular models, making them more competitive while also reducing costs.

Academic institutions contribute by researching sustainable materials and designing efficient circular systems. At the same time, NGOs and community groups advocate for policy changes, educate the public, and engage in grassroots efforts to promote circular practices.

For the circular economy to reach its full potential, positive stakeholder engagement and a systems-oriented approach are crucial.

Majed Al-Qatari

According to the Circular Economy Alliance, organizations that collaborate with multiple stakeholders achieve 40 percent better results in their circular projects than those working alone. Joint efforts not only foster innovation but also accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices across industries.

Despite its benefits, stakeholder engagement in the circular economy faces several challenges. Different groups often have competing priorities.

Businesses focus on profitability and operational efficiency, while governments continue to emphasize traditional economic growth over sustainability targets. Environmental organizations and local communities push for greener policies but frequently clash with industries over costs and feasibility.

Additionally, 60 percent of small businesses and non-professional groups find circular economy practices difficult to implement, leading to reluctance in adopting new models. This hesitancy, combined with fragmented funding, slows the large-scale transition to circular systems.

For the circular economy to reach its full potential, positive stakeholder engagement and a systems-oriented approach are crucial. Aligning sustainability efforts with a broader understanding of interconnected systems creates solutions that balance environmental protection, social well-being, and economic growth.

By fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and minimizing waste, societies can build a more sustainable future — one that benefits both current and future generations.

Majed Al-Qatari is a sustainability leader and ecological engineer experienced in advancing environment, social, governance and sustainability goals.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans

OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans
Updated 1 min 17 sec ago
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OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans

OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans
  • Hissein Brahim Taha urges need to ensure rights to foster care, education, healthcare

Jeddah: Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha highlighted the importance of improving efforts to support comprehensive care and sponsorship for orphans, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He made the remarks on Orphan’s Day in the Islamic world, marked on the 15th of Ramadan each year, to raise global awareness about the hardships faced by orphaned children in the world’s poorest communities.

Taha called for greater efforts to protect and provide for orphans, particularly in disaster-stricken, conflict-affected and climate change-impacted areas, where displacement and refugee crises have left many children vulnerable.

He said that the OIC will remain committed to supporting millions of orphaned and vulnerable children, advocating for their rights and improved support systems, including orphanages, foster care, adoption services, healthcare and education.

Taha highlighted the need for governments, societies and institutions to take action to provide sustainable solutions, the SPA reported.

He underscored Islam’s strong emphasis, through the Qur’an and the Sunnah, on treating orphans with kindness, ensuring their care, education, healthcare and social well-being, safeguarding their rights and providing them with a proper upbringing.

Orphan’s Day was established through a resolution adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers during its 40th session in Conakry, Guinea, in December 2013, with the aim of raising awareness about the issues and needs of orphans.


KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need
Updated 6 min 4 sec ago
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KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need
  • KSrelief has recently delivered thousands of food parcels to some of the world’s most vulnerable people
  • KSrelief also delivered 25 tonnes of dates as part of the Kingdom’s global humanitarian support efforts

Riyadh: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has recently delivered thousands of food parcels to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

In Romania, KSrelief distributed 1,200 food baskets to families in Bucharest and Constanta as part of its Etaam Ramadan project, along with 250 food baskets in the villages of Al-Hamra and Abu Qudur in the Syrian Arab Republic, and 1,300 food baskets to families affected by floods in various regions of Pakistan.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

KSrelief also delivered 25 tonnes of dates to The Gambia and 50 tonnes to Cote d’Ivoire, as well as 2,400 boxes of dates to 15,000 beneficiaries in the Seiyun district of Hadramout governorate, Yemen, as part of the Kingdom’s global humanitarian support efforts.


Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 

Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 
Updated 24 min 45 sec ago
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Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 

Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 

RIYADH: The public should exercise caution as thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Monday, the General Directorate of Civil Defense has said.

Residents are advised to stay in safe locations, avoid valleys and areas prone to flooding, and refrain from swimming in them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Forecasts say the Makkah and Riyadh regions will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods, hail, and strong downdrafts.

The Madinah, Asir, Hail and Qassim regions can expect moderate to heavy rain, while the Eastern Province will see moderate showers.

Light to moderate rainfall is also expected in Tabuk, Baha, Jazan and Najran.

The Civil Defense has urged the public to monitor official channels and social media platforms for the latest weather updates.


Kingdom arrests 23,865 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 23,865 illegals in one week
Updated 42 min 27 sec ago
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Kingdom arrests 23,865 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 23,865 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 23,865 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 16,644 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,896 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,325 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,432 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 67 percent were Ethiopian, 29 percent Yemeni, and 4 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 97 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 13 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Ghosts of fast fashion: Has colonialism ruined Bangladesh’s luxury fabric trade?

Ghosts of fast fashion: Has colonialism ruined Bangladesh’s luxury fabric trade?
Updated 52 min 7 sec ago
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Ghosts of fast fashion: Has colonialism ruined Bangladesh’s luxury fabric trade?

Ghosts of fast fashion: Has colonialism ruined Bangladesh’s luxury fabric trade?
  • Dhaka was the global center of muslin and fine handloom weaving until British colonial rule
  • Top model and designer Bibi Russell spearheads a movement to revive Bangladeshi textile art

DHAKA: Now a hub of cheap, mass-produced clothing for global brands, Bangladesh was for centuries known as the opposite — a center of coveted luxury textiles. The European appeal of these fine fabrics in the late 18th century marked the beginning of the industry’s decline, ultimately leading to its eventual erasure.

Historically, eastern Bengal — now Bangladesh — was renowned for its master weavers of silk and cotton textiles and particularly for muslin, a lightweight fabric crafted from extremely fine handspun yarns.

Dhaka became the center of muslin weaving in the early 17th century when the fabric became popular on the Indian subcontinent under the Mughal Empire. It dominated the global market for 200 years.

“Dhaka muslin was a symbol of tradition and royal nobility in this land. It was celebrated for its magnificent design and exceptional craftsmanship, earning worldwide acclaim. So fine was its weaving that an entire muslin sari could easily pass through a finger ring,” said Mohammad Ayub Ali, head of the muslin revival project at the Bangladesh Handloom Board, which works to preserve classical Bengali weaving techniques.

“Traders from various European countries, including England, the Netherlands, Portugal and Greece, were actively engaged in the muslin trade.”

This flourishing market was, however, soon overshadowed by colonial influence. Bengal’s textile industry began to wither after the British East India Company conquered the region in the mid-18th century, took control of the industry and exploited it beyond its limits.

In his 1772 work “Considerations on India Affairs,” merchant William Bolts of the British East India Company describes weavers being forcibly taken from their workplaces to produce textiles at English factories. Some resorted to self-mutilation — cutting of their own thumbs — in a desperate attempt to escape forced labor.

Another devastating blow to the native industry came with the tariffs imposed by the British colonial rulers, as England entered the Industrial Revolution and itself began mass-producing fabrics.

“The British rulers suppressed our local cotton producers and muslin weavers to create a favorable market for (their) textiles. Cheap textiles started to pour into our markets ... In the middle of the 19th century, muslin production in Dhaka was completely stopped,” Ali said.

“We were forced to import British clothes ... We once had 100 percent local input in cotton production, weaving and the expertise required to create world-class garments. But now, we only produce ready-made clothing as tailors.”

Bangladesh is the second-largest exporter of ready-made garments in the world, after China, producing large volumes quickly and cheaply. Around 4 million people are employed in factories, where unsafe working conditions, frequent deadly accidents and monthly wages that rarely exceed $120 regularly make headlines in both local and international press.

There is a direct link between the exploitative sector and colonial legacy.

“The colonizers systematically dismantled our thriving artisan economy ... The destruction of that heritage was not just about economics; it was about erasing a culture of excellence and self-reliance,” top Bangladeshi model and celebrated designer Bibi Russell, renowned for her efforts to revive her homeland’s textile art, told Arab News.

“While Bangladesh has become one of the largest exporters of ready-made garments in the world, we must ask ourselves at what cost. The fast fashion industry has created millions of jobs, but it has also perpetuated a system where workers are often undervalued, artisans are sidelined, and our natural resources are exploited. In many ways, it reflects a continuation of the exploitative systems of the past, where the value of human skill and creativity is sacrificed for profit.”

Bibi Russell speaks to Bangladeshi TV in December 2024. (Bibi Russell)

Russell is an advocate of the growing defashion movement, which calls for a shift away from the disposable culture of fast fashion — including its overconsumption, environmental degradation and the exploitation of workers in countries where labor laws and wages are poor.

She believes such a change is possible as the world is waking up and the global fashion landscape is changing, with consumers becoming more conscious of sustainability and ethical practices.

“Bangladesh has an incredible opportunity to lead this change ... Our history shows that we are resilient, and I see an opportunity to reclaim our legacy as a hub of quality and innovation, not just quantity,” she said.

“By investing in our craftspeople and celebrating their work, we can create an industry that uplifts rather than exploits, honors rather than erases ... This is our moment to rewrite the narrative — not as victims of a colonial legacy, but as innovators and creators.”