Circular Economy Hub will hold Circular X on “Looking Back at 2022 from a Circular Economy Perspective”

The Circular Economy Hub is hosting a monthly online learning program called “Circular X” series, where you can learn about the future of the circular economy in various industries and fields. The Circular X was launched in April 2021.

The theme in December is “Looking Back at 2022 from a circular economy perspective; What’s the Outlook for 2023?”

The theme of this issue is “Looking Back at 2022 from a Circular Economy Perspective; What’s the Outlook for 2023?” In this installment, the circular economy hub editorial team will look back on the past year from the perspective of the circular economy.

Details

At the end of last year, we identified the following five themes that the editorial team would be focusing on this year. For each of these themes, we will discuss what actually happened, the background behind them, what impact they may have in the future, and make a possible outlook for 2023 and beyond.

1. Linking carbon neutrality and circular economy

• How decarbonization and the circular economy will proceed in tandem
• The infrastructure for renewable energy generation and the circularization of the devices and facilities themselves that will be needed to make the transition to decarbonization

2. Connection between the circular economy and biodiversity and environmental restoration

• Progress in the development of biodiversity and regeneration disclosure frameworks, etc.
• Establishment of a method to tackle environmental restoration using the circular economy as a tool

3. Movement toward recycling of plastics

• In Japan, a new plastics law, “The Plastic Resource Circulation Act,” went into effect in April. The focus will be on how companies will address each stage of the product lifecycle, including product design, manufacturing, and collection, as well as on cost burdens and the creation of new business models.
• Moves to curb the total amount of plastic used, including conversion to reuse
• Will international frameworks such as Global Treaty on Plastic Pollution make progress?

4. Circular economy moving toward circular society

• Social aspects (equality, safety, health, economic disparities, etc.) that have been missing from the circular economy discourses will emerge.
• As the circular economy concept spreads, it will be rigorously evaluated on the essential aspects of whether it is truly making an impact on the environment, economy, and society.

5. Circular economy and digital technology

• The development of digital technologies is essential to reduce the absolute amount of resources used.
• The creation of a common digital data platform, such as the Digital Product Passport, GAIA-X, Catena-X, and PCDS
• Progress of the “twin transition” in Europe
• Digital technologies to integrate carbon neutrality and the circular economy

We also consider the potential impact of the following social and economic trends occurring in 2022 on the future transition to a circular economy.

• Stagnant energy supply and rising energy prices
• Rising prices
• Depreciation of the yen

Program details

https://circularx-20.peatix.com/ (in Japanese)