Join the Circle: Developing a Non-Western Framework for an Inclusive Circular Economy Discourse

Abstract

The Circular Economy (CE) has been identified as a promising tool for achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 on responsible production and consumption. Instead of making things, using them, and then throwing them away, CE advocates for efficient use and reuse of materials and resources to reduce waste. While CE has gained prominence over the past decade, its discourse has been largely shaped by Western perspectives, often overlooking non-Western perspectives. To achieve SDG 12 by 2030, CE must move beyond its Global North-centric framing and incorporate diverse socio-cultural contexts, particularly those of the Global South. A key pathway to addressing this gap is the development of inclusive theoretical frameworks that foster broader, more inclusive discussions around CE. Although previous studies have attempted to address this dearth in research, they have largely overlooked the overlapping social, economic, cultural and political dimensions shaping Global South CE. This critical review introduces a new theoretical lens for understanding CE in a Global South context. It presents the Circular Economy Framework for Inclusive and Embedded Sustainability (CEFIES) - an innovative framework that draws on Indigenous Standpoint Theory, Social and Solidarity Economy, and Political Ecology to offer a more inclusive perspective on CE. CEFIES addresses the gaps in research by adopting a decolonial approach that effectively embeds considerations of social, economic, cultural, and political dimensions from the Global South in CE conceptualisation. By broadening the scope and applicability of CE, CEFIES enhances its inclusivity and effectiveness as a sustainability model.