kiertopolitiikka

Kiertopolitiikka, often translated as circular politics or circular economy policy, refers to a set of strategies and legislative measures aimed at transitioning from a linear "take-make-dispose" economic model to a circular one. The core principle of kiertopolitiikka is to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extracting maximum value from them while in use, and then recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of each service life. This contrasts with the traditional linear model where products are discarded after use, leading to waste and resource depletion.

Key elements of kiertopolitiikka include promoting product longevity through design for durability, repairability, and upgradability. It also emphasizes the development of reuse and remanufacturing industries, where products are refurbished or their components are used to create new ones. Furthermore, it focuses on efficient recycling processes to recover high-quality materials that can be fed back into production loops. The goal is to minimize waste generation and reduce the reliance on virgin raw materials.

Examples of policies within kiertopolitiikka can include extended producer responsibility schemes, bans on certain single-use products, incentives for businesses to adopt circular business models, and public procurement policies that favor circular products and services. The overarching aim is to create a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy that benefits both the environment and economic prosperity. It is a broad concept encompassing various policy interventions across different sectors.