WHAT A WASTE!

Abstract

The dissertation that follows discusses the closed loop models of waste to energy and circular economy in the different geographies of Sweden, Singapore, Bhutan, and India. These diverse geographies were chosen for the reason that they have different approaches to handling the waste generated. They were also chosen because, as developed and developing economies with contrasting resource intensities, they are prime candidates for studying the adoption of a circular economic model for waste management.

In order to dive deeper into the analysis, a business sectoral lens focussing on the consumer lifestyle based industries of absorbent hygiene products, plastics in food packaging and potable water, fashion and clothing, and food waste was used. The resource intensiveness of the business operations and high contamination of waste were the key considerations for selection of these four sectors.

The dissertation aims to analyse which model is better suited for the selected industrial sectors and geographies. The conclusion of the dissertation elaborates on some of the insights derived from the research, and emphasis is laid on revision of government policies and innovation of business practices for the lead problematic and contributory industrial sectors.

It has been the author’s endeavour to put forth an original work which may be published and be of use to the person reading it. It is hoped that the work piques the interest of the readers into doing further research.