Circular Economy

The circular economy system seeks to keep materials in supply chains for as long as possible, in order to minimize product waste, promote sustainable use of natural resources, revalue waste and regenerate nature.

The circular economy emerges to replace the linear economy (take-make-waste), which is a production model that extracts virgin raw materials to manufacture products that eventually end up as waste.

Since 2021, Ecuador has enacted the Inclusive Circular Economy Law. This legislation establishes mechanisms for transitioning from a linear economy to an inclusive circular economy. It recognizes waste as a potential economic resource and aims to economically integrate waste pickers.

The transition to a circular economy is led by the Secretariats of Production and Environment through the National Inclusive Circular Economy System.

Extended producer responsibility

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy requiring producers or importers to manage a product throughout its entire life cycle, including the post-consumer stage. The Inclusive Circular Economy Law mandates the implementation of EPR schemes for designated priority products.

The collection, classification and recycling processes of EPR contribute significantly to material circularity, making it a pivotal tool that serves as a cornerstone of the circular economy.

In Ecuador, this policy has been implemented for over 10 years for specific products such as tires, batteries, electronic waste, medication waste, among others. The National Inclusive Circular Economy System must determine the priority products for the extended producer responsibility scheme.

© CORRALROSALES 2024
DISCLAIMER: The previous text has been prepared for informational purposes. CorralRosales is not responsible for any loss or damage caused as a result of having acted or stopped acting based on the information contained in this document. Any additional determined situation requires the specific opinion and concept of the firm.

CORRALROSALES