Developing country imperatives in the circular bioeconomy: A review of the South African case
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Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
A key principle in the circular bioeconomy is the cascading use of biomass in products that create
the most value over its lifetime. For example, the production of fine chemicals or pharmaceuticals
are considered high value processes in comparison to energy production or the production of bulk
materials such as compost. However, such “low value” applications may be associated with
greater environmental and socio-economic benefits depending on the context. This paper explores
factors influencing a developing country’s transition to a circular bioeconomy. Through a review
of the South African case, it was found that national priorities and strategies places emphasis on
composting and anaerobic digestion as primary methods for organic waste diversion from landfill.
This may in part be attributed to the fact that the technologies can theoretically process a wide
variety of waste stocks and they are already commercially established in the country. In addition,
the potential sustainability benefits associated with these methods have the potential to mitigate
many challenges being faced by the country including job creation, food security, energy security
and climate change mitigation.
Description
Keywords
Bioeconomy, Circular economy, Organic waste, Waste management, South Africa
Citation
Chitaka, T. Y., & Schenck, C. (2023). Developing country imperatives in the circular bioeconomy: A review of the South African case. Environmental Development, 45, 100812. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2023.100812