Design for circular economy: Developing an action plan for Scotland

Abstract

Design for a circular economy is rising up the policy agenda at multiple levels of governance -European, national and regional. Within Europe, interest in the transition to a circular economy is driven by the need to address the increasing environmental pressures brought about through the traditional 'take-make-consume-dispose' production model, to become more resilient to resource scarcity and volatile commodity prices, and to enhance the competitiveness of European business through cost savings and development of new markets. However, transition to a circular economy will be a complex process and a policy framework that creates favourable conditions for the public and private sector to adopt circular principles is needed. In developing such a framework, it is crucial that the views of stakeholders are appropriately represented. Design is an approach to problem-solving that can be applied across the private and public sectors to drive innovation in products, processes, services, society and even policy-making by putting people first.This article explores how design methods can be used to develop policy proposals that are tangible, realistic and seek to align market and government needs. By transposing established theory on innovation ecosystems, this research has mapped the Design for Circular Economy Ecosystem in Scotland, explored the systemic strengths and weaknesses and co-developed a set of actions with key stakeholders. Using design methods, twelve actions have been developed focusing on the themes of: (1) business support and finance;(2) skills and education; (3) promotion and awareness; and (4) policy and regulation. Furthermore, the actions are broken down by scope according to whether it is groundwork, instigating change, or systemic change.Scotland is one of an increasing number of European regions that are accelerating progress towards a more circular economy through design. Following the adoption of the European Commission's 2015 Circular Economy Package, a number of good practices can be drawn from the experiences in Scotland for other countries and regions looking to build design capacity.

Towards a Circular Economy: Using Stakeholder Subjectivity to Identify Priorities, Consensus, and Conflict in the Irish EPS/XPS Market

“…Circularity provides an opportunity to address the problems of marine plastics through the adoption of full life-cycle assessments, while also integrating technical and non-technical measures [23,24] and mobilizing multiple stakeholders in the co-design of solutions [25]. In exploring options for transitioning to CE, [26] emphasize the important role of stakeholders as drivers and enablers to deliver the required systemic changes, while [27] highlight the value of multi-stakeholder approaches to implement circularity and address marine plastic pollution. The latter findings are critical if the information, expertise, and knowledge from policy, science, industry, and consumer communities is to be integrated to produce effective solutions for implementation of CE.…”

“…Therefore, in order to ensure a just transition and, by extension, the long-term viability of a CE regime shift, participation from and interaction between stakeholders across sectors, is imperative. For these reasons, it is vital that decision-makers pay careful consideration to stakeholders' priorities, perspectives, and discourses throughout the transition from linear economic models to CE models [26]. In addition, because stakeholders operate within unique spheres at different capacities, their respective opinions on a given topic, in this case transitioning to CE business models, will inevitably vary.…”

Designing Business Solutions for Plastic Waste Management to Enhance Circular Transitions in Kenya

“…The recycled granules can be used to remanufacture the same type of product. This enables the product to have multiple life cycles [17]. Similarly, part of the recycled waste can be used to create other products different from those remanufactured, such as roofing tiles [44].…”

“…In the example of Africa Energy Solutions (AES), the Kenyan government, through its investment arm, ICDC, provided 46% of the funding. Equally, policies and regulations enacted must be aimed at encouraging investors to embrace the circular models (sharing schemes, take back management practices, or circular franchise selling) in the plastic industry [17].…”

“…The model can only be successful if the public is well-educated and willing to participate in the process fully. Similarly, county environmental departments that are mandated in collecting waste and other relevant institutions should teach the public how to go about the disposal stage [17]. Another equally important relationship is between training institutions and industry for the acquisition of required skills.…”