Circular economy models focus on resource extraction and waste management

The circular economy model is gaining traction as a method to maximize material utility and minimize waste by prioritizing reuse, repair, and recycling over traditional linear consumption.

In El Salvador, the Integrated Waste Management and Recycling Promotion Law aims to ensure environmentally safe disposal and promote circularity. The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), through its ‘Futuro Verde’ initiative, emphasizes the importance of source separation to facilitate recycling. MARN has also conducted diagnostics on the recycling market, identifying value chains for materials such as plastics, glass, textiles, tires, and batteries.

In Spain, discussions at the V ReGenera Forum highlighted the need to expand the circular economy scope beyond simple waste management. Experts emphasized that a truly circular approach must also address the environmental impacts of resource extraction, which is linked to approximately 60% of greenhouse gas emissions and 90% of biodiversity pressure. Key pillars for this transition include ecodesign, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and improved transparency and traceability in production processes.