1. Colombia`s peace: an opportunity to promote sustainable development through the circular economy
Julian Polanco Sierra
MA Development Studies student
Institute of Development Studies
June 2018
Circular Economy Disruptions – Past, Present and Future

2. Outline Why Colombia? A window of opportunity
The politics and policy of CE
Business and CE in Colombia
Potential benefits of CE

4. Challenges in an unprecedented post-conflict era
6 million people displaced and victims
Poverty rate: 27.8%
Gini Index: 53.5
Informal employment: 47%
Deforestation, degradation and pollution
1. Why Colombia?

5. Sustained economic growth Biodiversity and natural wealth
A wasted opportunity?
Sustained economic growth
Biodiversity and natural wealth
Post-conflict era
Colombia recycling rate is low at 17%
The country produces nearly 12 million tonnes of waste every year
In Medellín the informal recycling industry produces US$ 12 million a year
2. A window of opportunity

6. A complex waste management system
Lack of incentives: The market price is US$ 4 per one tonne of waste. In other countries the market price is up to US$ 40.
Waste pickers: The recycling and collection of waste is in hands of informal waste pickers with poor working conditions.
2. A window of opportunity

7. Discrimination and extreme poverty

8. The government vision of the circular economy
“Misión de Crecimiento Verde”
Public Health
Waste collection
Social inclusion
Waste pickers
Proactive and innovative public agencies (decentralisation)
Environment
Waste Reduction
Policy components
Governance
CE projects at local and regional level
Financial sustainability 3R
Reduce, reuse, recycle
3. Politics and Policy

9. Who is leading the transition to a circular economy in Colombia?
Companies are shaping the CE agenda in Colombia
39 out of 58 (67%) CE initiatives in Colombia registered in the Circular Economy Club data base come from the private sector
4. Business and CE in Colombia

10. Plastic bottle recycling for new products (beverages)
Restorative and regenerative scheme: 185 tonnes of organic waste converted in new products (coffee cups, cup sleeves, cup lids, napkins, fertiliser and compost)
Plastic bottle recycling for new products (beverages)
Tetra Pak cartons made into school furniture (30% cheaper)
4. Business and CE in Colombia

11. What are the potential benefits of implementing CE models?
Reconstruction efforts
Triple win: society, environment, business
Sustainable development (SDGs)
Resource efficiency
Cost savings
Social responsibility
Business opportunities
5. Potential benefits

12. The transition to a circular economy is a shared responsibility
Private initiatives
Citizens and research institutions
Policy framework
The transition to a circular economy is a shared responsibility

14. Thank you Julian Polanco Sierra, MA Development Studies student,
Institute of Development Studies
June 2018
Engaging, Learning, Transforming