TACLE

2018-2022

To decouple economic growth from increased natural resource use and hence environmental impacts the concept of a Circular Economy (CE) has experienced increased attention. Closing material flows has always been a topic for industry when it comes to high-value materials. Hitherto, a holistic approach on how to manage the transition from a linear to a CE is lacking. The TACLE-project (Towards A sustainable CircuLar Economy) co-led by SusTec and the Ecological Systems Design Group (ESD), aimed at answering these questions by combining a resource perspective (ESD) with a socioeconomic perspective (SusTec). SusTec ventured in this untapped field by applying a policy mix as well as a value chain analysis.

In a first phase, barriers and drivers for a CE were identified. To this end, existing innovations and policy landscapes were analyzed, focusing on exemplary industries, such as the plastic packaging industry, and pioneer countries in terms of related policies. The analysis lead to a better understanding of which policy mix is most supportive for a transition towards a sustainable CE. New legislation might interact with existing laws in complementary or conflicting ways affecting business circularity potential. Experience with policy implementation has shown that novel policy initiatives require a profound understanding of the factors driving industrial firm dynamics. The analysis is therefore complemented with an intra-organizational perspective to understand the structures, processes, and practices companies need to adapt to enable a transition.

Through the findings of this project, policymakers can gain a better understanding of the barriers to a CE in the plastic packaging industry and learn about the existing and future environmental and economic hotspots in various value chains. Industry participants also benefit from this information, gaining a clearer picture about options in closing material loops in their respective industries and improving perception of their environmental and economic implementation potential.