Mapping the Circular economy Ecosystem: A Guide
About this good practice
The goal is to identify key players, processes, and flows that define the ecosystem, ultimately enabling stakeholders to optimize resource use and enhance sustainability. Here’s a breakdown of how to effectively map the plastic ecosystem:
1. Identify Key Stakeholders:
- Determine the specific aspects of the plastic ecosystem to be mapped (e.g., plastic types, applications, geographic focus)
- Engage with various stakeholders, including manufacturers, suppliers, recyclers and policymakers
- Conduct interviews, surveys, and workshops
2. Analyze Material Flows:
- Track the flow of plastics through their lifecycle: production, distribution, consumption, recycling, and disposal
- Use tools like flow diagrams, LCAs, and material balance analyses to visualize flows.
3. Evaluate Risks and Opportunities:
- Assess potential risks associated with plastic waste, pollution, and regulatory challenges
- Identify opportunities for improvement, such as innovations in recycling technologies or alternative materials
4. Collaborate and Share Insights:
- Create partnerships with stakeholders to facilitate information sharing and collaborative problem-solving.
- Utilize digital platforms or collaborative databases to share findings
5. Monitor and Update Regularly:
- Establish a framework for ongoing monitoring of the ecosystem to adapt to changes in technologies, regulations and market dynamics
- Update the mapping regularly to reflect new data and insights
Resources needed
Two professionals and 1 month.
Evidence of success
Mapping provided a comprehensive view of how plastics are produced, used, and disposed in Tampere Region. Mapping helped identifying the key players in the region and their roles in the plastic lifecycle, which is essential for effective collaboration and policy development also in the future.
Potential for learning or transfer
Stakeholder collaboration facilitates partnerships across industries and sectors, encouraging shared goals and collective action toward a circular economy. Mapping the plastic ecosystem is a crucial step toward understanding and improving the sustainability of plastic use. It not only benefits individual stakeholders but also contributes to broader societal and environmental goals.
Further information
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
