Creating circular economies is an alternative to a traditional linear economy that could assist government in boosting economic growth and in creating much-needed jobs in line with the National Development Plan, says the Recycling and Economic Initiative of South Africa (Redisa).
Following Gauteng Premier David Makhura’s State of the Province address last week – which highlighted that government would make three macrointerventions relating to spatial reconfiguration, town economy revitalisation and massive infrastructure investment – Redisa director Stacey Davidson says, if the circular economy is to become more widespread, all industries across sectors have to consider how innovation and cooperation can double these efforts.
Importance“For the tyre industry, this means that reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products has to be of importance. In other words, what used to be regarded as ‘waste’ can be turned into a resource and reintroduced into the economy,” she says.
By involving all stakeholders, such as government and the private sector, Davidson notes that Redisa’s tyre industry circular economy model is working with tyre manufacturers and importers, who are taking respon- sibility for their waste without los- ing sight of focusing ontheir core business.
Also, unemployed people are finding employment through the model and small, medium-sized and microenter-prises are being developed and supported by the model.