Our planet can regenerate itself only to a certain extent because humanity is consuming natural resources much faster than this regeneration capacity allows. In fact, data on this is released every year. The Global Footprint Network, which measures humanity’s consumption of nature through the Ecological Footprint and compares it to the Earth’s capacity to regenerate—known as biocapacity— has announced that Earth Overshoot Day for 2026 will be July 30. This means that humanity is consuming natural resources 73 percent faster than nature can regenerate them—in other words, we would need 1.73 Earths to sustain our current level of consumption.
This is, of course, unsustainable. The economic model that has contributed most significantly to the current situation is, in fact, the linear economy—based on the traditional “take, make, and dispose” logic—which has caused resource depletion, ecosystem loss, and pollution in every sense of the word. This approach has also turned the planet into a waste-filled hell. Fortunately, over the past few decades, the mindset that associates the concept of waste with “something that’s already happened and is over” has begun to shift on a global scale. In stark contrast to the linear model, the circular economy—which minimizes resource extraction, aims to eliminate waste generation from the very outset, and, in this context, addresses design, production, and consumption as an integrated whole—and the associated circular waste management are being discussed more than ever and efforts are being made to implement them. This aspect is critical because transitioning to a circular economy and the associated circular waste management on a global scale is essential for managing our planet’s limited resources.Circular Waste Management Is Also Aligned with the SDGs
Today, the inseparable relationship between the circular economy and waste management —and the challenge of driving change in this direction—constitutes one of the most important topics in global climate diplomacy. Indeed, it will be one of the main topics at the COP31 climate summit to be held in Antalya, hosted by Turkey. Indeed, the summit’s official “Zero Waste” agenda includes items such as “scaling up regulatory and financial tools that strengthen the principles of reuse, recycling, and circular design,”
The relationship between waste management and circularity has been addressed holistically for some time now, within the context of general climate policy, industry policies, the financing of this process, and product design. Consequently, the primary goal is to systematically eliminate waste and potential pollution as early as the design phase. For example, the use of biodegradable materials or the implementation of various safe business models that minimize harm from the outset is becoming increasingly important. In this context, it is very important to design products to have a longer life cycle rather than discarding them after use. Looking at the global situation, the European Union, in particular, is taking extremely important steps toward a circular economy. Through a new regulation, the EU has developed a tool—the Digital Product Passport—aimed at ensuring that data such as a product’s material composition, certain environmental characteristics, and recycling information can be accessed throughout the product’s life cycle.In addition to all of this, a circular economy—by optimizing supply chains, promoting sound design, and supporting recycling—is in fact deeply intertwined with the global goals set forth by the Sustainable Development Goals. Consequently, circular waste management has now become a fundamental strategic necessity for communities and businesses seeking to reduce their environmental footprint while sustaining economic growth. In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say that the transition to a circular economy is widely recognized as the only long-term solution to many issues, particularly waste.
For example, the extraction and processing of primary raw materials account for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, keeping materials in the cycle through reuse and recycling can play a crucial role in combating climate change by reducing the need for new resource extraction and the associated emissions.In addition, circular waste management strategies generally require less energy than producing new products from primary raw materials, which can further reduce the carbon footprint of production.
It Is Important to Make Circular Waste Management Attractive and FeasibleHowever, when viewed from a global perspective, the transition to a circular economy and waste management is progressing slowly and requires large-scale investments that are not readily available. Consequently, this type of transition inevitably becomes linked to financingThe United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) also specifically addressesthis issue. UNEP FI emphasizes that green investments alone are not sufficient to increase circular economy financing, stating that circular business models must be made attractive and measurable from an investor’s perspective. In fact, the organization plans to publish circular economy financing guidelines this year for banks and development finance institutions targeting sectors such as textiles, agriculture, buildings, minerals and metals, and plastics.
The private sector also has a major role to play in closing this financing gap. Private investors are in a position to close part of this investment gap by providing direct services, investing in companies active in the field of sustainable solid waste management, or co-financing large-scale waste management projects through public-private partnerships. If the private sector views circular waste management not merely as a means of complying with environmental regulations but as a strategy for creating value and building organizational resilience, this will streamline operations.
Identifying the Barriers Is Crucial
It is precisely at this point that the COP31 summit in Antalya takes on even greater importance. Indeed, COP31 essentially aims to link circular economy and waste management projects—such as waste reduction, recycling, reuse, resource efficiency, and extending product lifespans—to the relevant investment portfolios outlined in countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions. This aspect of the issue is extremely important because the circular economy faces not only a lack of investment but also the problem that existing national and international regulations are still designed with the linear economy in mind. The International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) latest report on the subject also highlights these obstacles.According to the report, titled “Activating the Circular Economy: From Barriers to Opportunities,” the most significant challenges is the lack of harmonization and the fragmented nature of legislation across countries. In addition to financing, other significant barriers include shortcomings in infrastructure, technology, organizationaltransformation and, of course, the lack of awareness among communities regarding this issue.
According to the ICC, in order for the circular economy to scale up, cross-border trade in secondary materials, refurbished products, and circular services must be facilitated—and the Antalya summit is of great importance for making this a reality. At COP31, the circular economy will not only be a topic for a “decision text” at the negotiating table but will also be translated into action through the Global Climate Action Agenda.
In short, with less than two months to go before the summit, it is of the utmost importance to fully understand the transition to a circular economy; to better grasp the fundamental principles of the circular economy—which views waste not as an inevitable byproduct but as a design flaw—and to further discuss and expand its implementation. This is the most critical path for our planet to achieve its zero-waste goal.
Date:23 September 2026
