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Title Transition to a Sustainable Circular Plastics Economy in The Netherlands: Discourse and Policy Analysis
ID_Doc 27064
Authors Friant, MC; Lakerveld, D; Vermeulen, WJV; Salomone, R
Title Transition to a Sustainable Circular Plastics Economy in The Netherlands: Discourse and Policy Analysis
Year 2022
Published Sustainability, 14.0, 1
DOI 10.3390/su14010190
Abstract The circular economy (CE) has become a key sustainability discourse in the last decade. The Netherlands seeks to become fully circular by 2050 and the EU has set ambitious circularity targets in its CE Action Plan of 2015. The plastics sector, in particular, has gained a lot of attention as it is a priority area of both the EU and Dutch CE policies. However, there has been little research on the different and often contested discourses, governance processes and policy mechanisms guiding the transition to a circular economy and society. This paper aims to fill these gaps by asking what circular discourses and policies are being promoted in the Netherlands and what sustainability implications and recommendations can be drawn from it. It does so through a mix of media analysis, policy analysis, semi-structured interviews, and surveys using Q-methodology. Results indicate a dominance of technocentric imaginaries, and a general lack of discussion on holistic, and transformative visions, which integrate the full social, political, and ecological implication of a circular future. To address those challenges, this research brings key policy insights and recommendations which can help both academics and practitioners better understand and implement the transition towards a sustainable circular plastics economy.
Author Keywords circular economy; plastics; circular society; policy analysis; discourse analysis; extended producer responsibility; polymer; recycling; environmental governance; sustainability
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED); Social Science Citation Index (SSCI)
EID WOS:000751125900001
WoS Category Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Environmental Sciences; Environmental Studies
Research Area Science & Technology - Other Topics; Environmental Sciences & Ecology
PDF https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/14/1/190/pdf?version=1667382755
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