The 9Rs Strategies for the Circular Economy 3.0

Abstract

Circular economy (CE) was first introduced in the 1970s as an alternative economic model for replacing the traditional linear industrial economy, the take-make-use-throw approach. However, transition to a more circular economy can be challenging due to the untenable assumptions. It is viewed as a strategy enabling the ‘decoupling’ of resource use from economic growth, but there are still questions whether the CE can decouple resource use from economic growth. The purpose of this article is to study the evolution of the circular economy and the synthesis of the 10Rs hierarchy, to examine the circular economy roadmap and to review the strategies of 9Rs and the benefits of circular economy. Documentary study and literature review were used for data collection. It is found that the history of circular economy started as early as before World War II, known as closed economy. Then, the concept of circular economy evolved to CE 1.0, CE 2.0, and CE 3.0 since 2010 onward. Although 10R hierarchy (from R0-R9) was proposed to solve confusion around new conceptions of circularity, the waste-to-energy (Recovery) does not promote resource efficiency when considering the loss of value of potentially recyclable materials through combustion. Circular Economy, when successfully implemented, can clearly bring environmental, social and economic benefits. However, a CE roadmap should integrate the key stakeholders’ views on the essential developments and actions required for the transition as well as clarifies their own role in the transition.