Plenary 3: Introduction to Green Industry and the Circular Economy

 Industry is related to sustainable effects. Green industry is linked to a circular economy.  There is a huge growth and wealth of population. This means countries are interested in reducing inefficiencies in economy. The circular economy is a good way to resolve this.  The object of circular economy is cleaner production. For example, to reduce toxic materials would thereby mean creating more green production. In examining the circular economy, we should collect what is there at the end of a given lifecycle, separate waste, reuse resources. The aim is cleaner production with less resource use.  The European Union is moving forward to a very large market with 40 million consumers and adjusting to economic model for circular economy.  We should reduce resource dependency – this is an economic concept whereas to reduce environmental footprint is an environmental concept. Combination of these two concepts will have lasting impact.  It will be crucial for developing/middle-income countries to produce the exact products that align with the circular economy concept. There needs to be a dialogue between those who use circular economy and those who don’t to create mutual benefit. Building off economic models related to circular economy will bring up businesses small and big, so same will happen in developing countries.  In conclusion: circular economy is a long-term trend that not only impacts the production but extension of life of the products. We aim to promote a circular economy. Intergovernmental dialogue on circular economy is needed to promote how we benefit from this powerful concept. Eco-industrial Parks and sound chemicals management are the two areas that UNIDO attempts to assist countries within the Metropolitan context.