The circular economy model aims to eliminate waste and make the maximum use of resources within our economies. It is a systemic transition towards more sustainable resource use and consumption. In order to preserve valuable natural resources for future generations and conserve biodiversity, active support for the circular economy transition is required.

Mainstream business models operate the “take, make and dispose” way of production and consumption. Global strategies to achieve a circular global economy often overlook the contributions of smaller, locally-led enterprises that have adopted business models premised on up- and re-cycling, resource efficiency, ensuring valuable resources are not simply discarded but live on in innovative products and services. By adopting innovative business models, these enterprises lead on and contribute to a more circular global economy.

The combination of Asia’s i) leading role in global discussions and awareness raising towards circularity and sustainable consumptions, ii) its critical role in manufacturing and exports of materials and products worldwide, and iii) its projected growth, open up strategic opportunities to create new value. With momentum around developments like India’s plastics pact, China’s cities’ work on circularity, good policy examples are emerging to govern and induce the transition.

This Lab will explore national policy solutions in circularity benefiting MSMEs. It will focus on policy examples enabling the contributions of SMEs in the circular economy.

The Policy Solutions Showcase will include:

• National Schemes for Greening SMEs (Malaysia)
• Public Private Partnership for Plastic and Waste Management (Thailand)
• Zero Carbon Sustainable Tourism (Philippines)
• National Plastics Phase-out Plan (Maldives)

Shortens consultation cycles and saves internal resources

Minimises political downside if solution is not working

Provides ideas & minimises risks for policymakers in other countries

Encourages knowledge transfer & peer learning