Towards a Sustainable Circular Economy – Remarks on plastics and wood-waste sector

Abstract

Aim: As the traditional approach towards entering a path of sustainabe development based on a „efficiency, consistency, sufficiency aproach“ is questionable, This article discusses opportunities and challenges for the circular economy to become a „last chance“ fort he current capitaist system to become more sustainable.Design / Research methods: Two case studies of material (waste) streams of plastics and wood-waste are presented in order to identify challenges in the development and functioning of the circular economy. Conclusions / findings: While the circular economy can deal with threats to sustainability embraced in an efficiency and sufficiency approach, it refers to a technology-driven consistency approach, not questioning the consumption and production patterns in the capitalist economy, and the functioning of the market economy as such.

Biological Concepts as a Source of Inspiration for Efficiency, Consistency, and Sufficiency

“…In the technosphere, however, circularity is currently more of a vision than an established approach; other than a few material flows (such as paper/cardboard, glass or aluminum), recycling rates are still comparatively low, especially with regard to material recycling [61]. Haas et al [62] also report a low level of circularity when material flows are used as a proxy.…”

“…Although the strategies of efficiency and consistency are centered on technological progress, sufficiency requires personal lifestyle changes that respect ecological limits and the ability to restrain superfluous consumption [61]. Fischer and Grießhammer (Ref [14], p. 10; translated into English by the authors) define sufficiency as "changes in consumption patterns that help remain within the Earth's ecological carrying capacity, whereby the benefit aspects of consumption change".…”