From waste to wealth: Policies to promote the circular economy

This policy article addresses the urgent need for a comprehensive policy framework to advance the circular economy, a crucial strategy in mitigating the global waste and pollution crisis. It seeks to bridge the research gap by evaluating and structuring circular economy policies across various governance levels, employing an ecological economics perspective. Through a synthesis of literature and case studies, the article examines the effectiveness of regulatory policies, economic incentives, and voluntary measures, and confronts the cultural, behavioral, economic, regulatory, technical, and logistical barriers to implementation. The findings underscore the importance of integrated policy approaches, such as extended producer responsibility, environmental taxes, and corporate sustainability practices, offering actionable insights for stakeholders. This contribution is significant for its strategic recommendations, which are vital for transitioning towards sustainable development and operationalizing the circular economy in practice.