Creating a just circular transition: perspectives and contributions from Colombian circular case studies

Abstract

While global transition proposals, such as the circular economy (CE) transition, are being led primarily by Global North experts, the perspectives of the Global South, especially those of private actors, remain largely underrepresented. Likewise, in these global discussions, structural justice considerations are practically absent. Therefore, there is a need to study private-sector attempts to integrate justice principles in CE transitions and the perspectives of Global South private CE actors, especially for nations such as Colombia, where CE firms are on the rise. Hence, this study explores the perspectives and contributions of four CE case study firms in Colombia by analyzing their perspectives on the CE, Just Transitions, and their contributions to a Just CE transition. For this purpose, a qualitative study with interviews and field observations of those firms was performed. Findings revealed deviations from mainstream CE definitions and scope, which, unlike the former, stress the need for a socially Just CE that mends local social fractures, challenging mainstream CE transition assumptions and meanings. Additionally, results suggested the need to merge local perspectives with CE strategies to improve efficacy and cultural appropriateness. Likewise, social inclusion was identified as essential for a Just transition. This study contributes to the Just Transition literature by giving a voice to Global South CE actors to promote CE policy discussions as spaces of intercultural co-construction and reduced exclusion.