The Development of Circular Economy Policies: An Analysis of the European Union and the People’s Republic of China

Abstract

Circular economy is a model that aims to use resources efficiently, minimize the amount of resources used, reduce waste, and eliminate environmental damage that economic activities may cause. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in circular economy applications globally. Many countries and regions, especially the European Union and China, develop strategies and policies for circular economy and taking steps to transform their economies. The aim of this study is to explain the historical process of the circular economy strategies of the European Union (EU) and China and to compare the main differences between the two examples from a broad perspective. The article examines the motivations of the EU and China to implement circular economy. The policy tools, priorities, and implementation methods used by both sides to ensure circularity are discussed. In the study, evaluation was made using document analysis method which is a qualitative research method. As a result, it is observed that while the EU approaches circular economy more environmentally focused, China’s circular economy perspective is based on development and resource security. While the EU focuses on consumption habits, resource efficiency, product design and durability in circular economy activities, China prioritizes pollution reduction and increasing efficiency in the industrial sector. While the participation of civil society is more active in the circular economy process in Europe, circular economy practices in China are generally driven by the government’s discretion. Although the approaches of both sides to the circular economy differ, they find common ground in improving environmental quality, achieving green economic growth, reducing pollution, carbon emissions and waste production, increasing resource efficiency, improving security, encouraging innovation and improving social equality. This general framework provides an assessment of how the circular economy follows and takes shape in different socioeconomic contexts.