Circular economy: Waste as the beginning of something new

The World Economic Forum describes the circular economy as “an industrial system that is restorative or regenerative by intention and design.” Unlike the linear model that creates waste and drains resources, circular systems return materials to the production cycle. Products and by-products are reused, recycled or repurposed — ideally powered by renewables.

In this episode, Amal Larhlid speaks with Melissa MacEwen, PwC’s Resource Use and Circular Economy Lead, and Jeremy Prepscius, Sustainable Supply Chains Lead in Asia Pacific. They talk about how circular models are being applied in the real world, where the barriers still lie, and why this shift matters for the Middle East.

More businesses and governments are adopting this model. As climate risks, supply disruptions and resource scarcity grow, circular systems offer a more stable path. It’s a chance to build resilience while cutting environmental harm.