OPTIMISATION OF VALUE CHAINS IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY: GLOBAL TRENDS AND REGIONAL FEATURES
Abstract
The transition towards a circular economy signifies a transformative realignment of global economic frameworks, emphasising the conservation of resources, the reduction of waste, and the cultivation of enduring value. The present study explores the enhancement of value chains within this economic model, meticulously examining worldwide patterns and regional divergences through an integrative research methodology. The investigation combines in-depth qualitative reviews of governmental policies and enterprise sustainability disclosures from 2015 to 2024, drawn from entities such as the World Bank, UNCTAD, and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, with quantitative assessments via econometric techniques across 25 nations. Focused regional explorations covering the European Union, Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa reveal distinct adoption trajectories. The EU leads with a 60% waste reuse rate in 2023, propelled by robust ecological legislation. Meanwhile, Southeast Asia has seen a 15% increase in electronic waste reclamation since 2020, bolstered by regional economic pacts. In contrast, Sub-Saharan Africa lags behind with a rate of just 10%, hindered by inadequate infrastructure and scarce resources. Quantitative analysis reveals a robust correlation between circular initiatives and job creation, particularly in technologically advanced sectors. A 10% increase in recycling has been shown to correlate with a 2-3% employment boost. Recent global shifts have served to underscore the pivotal role of cutting-edge technologies in enhancing operational efficiency. Such technologies include the Internet of Things (IoT) for resource tracking, blockchain for secure exchanges, and artificial intelligence (AI) for market forecasting. However, it should be noted that supply chain visibility is subject to regional differences, thus necessitating a customised approach. The study identifies critical enablers, namely regulatory structures, technological uptake, and infrastructure development, and explores their influence on CE durability and social equity. The findings suggest that the implementation of refined value chains has the potential to reduce resource consumption by 20–30% in comparison with conventional models. However, scaling efforts in less developed regions encounter challenges due to financial constraints. This research offers practical guidance for decision-makers and industries, urging focused investments in lagging regions, technological advancement, and skill enhancement to align with global sustainability targets. The study enhances scholarly discourse by exploring regional nuances that have been overlooked, thereby establishing a foundation for future research into economic longevity, environmental resilience, and inter-industry partnerships.
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