Localised waste reduction networks, global destruction networks and the circular economy

Abstract

Creating a circular economy (CE) is considered central to solving problems like climate change and resource depletion. In this context, the concept of global destruction networks was developed to better theorise using waste in new production. However, CE advocates also seek to avoid waste production by extending products’ lives. These efforts occur within what we term waste reduction networks. Examining how these two sets of networks intersect allows a fuller understanding of the CE’s emergent geographies. We analyse 17 European and US clothing firms focussed on value creation through waste minimisation to illustrate our argument.