Have you heard about the concept of the circular economy? How does it relate to industrial parks?

The circular economy is a way to restore and regenerate through production, contrary to the linear economic model in which we take resources, use them, discard them, and consume again using non-renewable raw materials and energy. It is undeniable that the linear model is reaching its limits.

The Virtuous Circle report by the Tearfund Foundation, through case studies of waste-to-energy and resource efficiency initiatives, has concluded that the circular economy for waste management improves living standards by:

• Increasing productivity and economic growth 
• Reducing water and air pollution 
• Preventing diseases and problems related to poor waste management and pollutants 
• Improving the quality and quantity of employment

Currently, this is a sustainable discourse that is almost absent. However, we could incorporate this alternative growth model to protect the planet within industrial parks. How? By forging alliances among the different companies operating within them, with remanufacturing and repair models (which have shown success in the automotive sector in Africa), for example.

How do you think the circular economy could work in industrial parks? Share your thoughts on our social media platforms.