This archive report was first published on 7 October 2019.
Embracing Circular Economy for Sustainable Growth ¶
On October 7, 2019, the world was reminded of the importance of adopting a circular economy in the face of increasing environmental concerns.
Sustainable manufacturing has become a key focus for many industries as they drift towards Industry 4.0. The traditional approach to manufacturing, where products were produced without concern for their after effects, is no longer tenable in today's world.
With a growing population of over 7 billion people, the resources for production are deteriorating, yet the markets for products continue to grow. It has become necessary for industries to concentrate on the final destination of their products and find new avenues to provide resources for continuous production.
Industrialists are now conscious of the effects of their products on the environment and the future ecosystem. The adoption of circular economy has proven to provide opportunities for a country to retain liquidity and open opportunities for entrepreneurship and employment.
According to The Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Plastics and the Circular Economy Paper, 2018, circular economy solutions for plastics include producing plastics from alternative non-fossil fuel feedstocks, using plastic waste as a resource, and redesigning plastic manufacturing processes and products to enhance longevity, reusability, and waste prevention.
Kenya is at the forefront of championing sustainability, with the government and private sector working together to achieve circular economy. The Framework of Cooperation (FOC) signed between the government, the National Environment Management Authority (Nema), and the private sector through the Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) is a partnership that seeks to reduce plastic waste in the environment through collection and recycling.
However, such initiatives remain a small part of the true circular economy. A unified plan is needed to assist in achieving a sustainable inclusive circular economy.
The Kenya Plastics Action Plan, set to be launched later this month, provides an opportunity for the private sector to establish a collective position and propose solutions on plastic pollution. If properly executed, the Action Plan will result in a comprehensive funding, compliance, and monitoring mechanism, creating awareness, education, and commitment from every stakeholder in the value chain.
