New report - “Primary Materials in the Emerging Circular Economy: Implications for upstream resource producers and primary material exporters”

Check out the new report from Smart Prosperity Institute, which explores the implications of emerging global circular economy frameworks for upstream natural resource producers.

The role of primary natural resources has been largely overlooked in the globally emerging circular economy. Smart Prosperity Institute’s latest report fills this gap, addressing increasing interest in the implications of a shift towards CE strategies in global markets for resource-producers, and the mining, metals and minerals sector particularly.

Singapore’s Global Innovation Challenge for Water

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has published a report on single-use plastic products (SUPPs) and recommendations for alternatives, based on life cycle assessment (LCA) studies. UNEP defines SUPPs as “an umbrella term for different types of products that are typically used once before being thrown away or recycled,” including food packaging, bottles, straws, containers, cups, cutlery, and shopping bags.

The transition to a circular economy is one of the absolute cornerstones in the fight against the climate crisis. As plastics are increasingly used in everyday products, efficiently reusing and recycling is becoming more important than ever. Furthermore, plastic, made from fossil fuels, has unprecedented impacts on the planet and climate change. For this reason, EIT Climate-KIC is developing a portfolio of solutions for action on plastic pollution, supporting both start-ups and research projects innovating all along the plastic value chain.

Here's a useful overview of the World Economic Forum's platforms, partnerships and initiatives on Circular Economy and Material Value Chains.

Dedicated efforts focus on plastics, electronics, batteries, trade, innovation, and net-zero industry transition.

Photo by Josh Power on Unsplash

Check out this latest blog by UNEP Executive Director on eco-innovation approach that helps SMEs to be more agile and competitive.

The Netherlands’ Wastewater Treatment Plants are Resource Factories