May 2022

Source: Amplify

Authors: Joseph Sarkis, Paul Dewick, Maurie Cohen, Joerg Hofstetter, Patrick Schröder

Summary

The authors discuss how concepts like circular economy, degrowth, and post-growth redefine which materials are considered waste and which are considered useful. Circular economy and degrowth approaches could provide stronger sustainability outcomes by rethinking what counts as waste in supply chain analyses, operations, and management. The authors look at supply chain subsystems that support strong sustainability outcomes, using practical examples. They show how strong sustainability can support societal and economic resilience and identify ways to overcome challenges to changing market systems.

Keywords

Circular economy, Informal economy, Global South, Circular society, Biodiversity