As the world grapples with the twin crises of climate change and environmental degradation, experts have reaffirmed the role of circular economy principles in building a sustainable, zero-waste future.
At a webinar organised by Sustainable Aquatic and Environmental Network (SAYNE), with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Ifrique Eco Solutions, leading voices in sustainability explored strategies for reducing waste, reusing resources, and redesigning systems for environmental resilience.
The virtual event “Achieving a Zero Waste Future Through Implementation of Circular Economy Principles,” brought together sustainability scholars, entrepreneurs, and development advocates to chart a path toward an inclusive, circular economy.
Circular economy expert, Tairat Titiloye, shared insight for small businesses navigating international partnerships. Speaking during a panel session, Titiloye underscored the benefits of aligning with global vendors committed to sustainable practice.
She noted that beyond driving business growth, such collaborations expose local businesses to practical approaches to waste reduction, such as upcycling and recycling, concepts she described as more than industry buzzwords.
“Circular partnerships open doors to not just innovation but also cost savings. However, issues like foreign exchange, communication barriers, and mismatched expectations can hinder progress. Clear and honest communication is key to reducing not just material waste, but also time and energy,” she said.
In his keynote address, a globally renowned scholar on sustainability and supply chain management, Professor Joseph Sarkis, delved into the systemic nature of the circular economy, urging participants to adopt a holistic mindset that integrates circularity with broader sustainability efforts.
He elaborated on strategies like narrowing resource loops and regenerating ecosystems, while highlighting how sectors such as digital technology, informal economies, transportation, and biodiversity are all interconnected within circular frameworks.
Sarkis also cautioned against viewing recycling as the sole solution, calling instead for deeper systemic change.
“We must think beyond reuse and repair to redesign and rethink systems,” he said. “True sustainability lies in stronger actions and inclusive frameworks that involve co-creation of knowledge among industries, communities, policymakers, and scholars.”
An environmentalist and green architect, Mrs. Intissar Bashir Kurfi, brought the conversation closer to home with examples of how waste can be transformed into valuable products.
Drawing from her work with Ifrique Eco Solutions, she showcased how discarded materials such as PET bottles, water sachets, and nylons are repurposed into eco-friendly interlocking tiles, reusable sanitary pads, and other essential items.
“These solutions are not just reducing plastic waste; they are providing critical products for underserved communities,” she said, emphasizing the role of circular design in driving grassroots impact.
Founder of SAYNE Development Foundation, Dr. Isa Elegbede, closed the session by reinforcing the shared responsibility of individuals and institutions in advancing circular economy practices. While acknowledging that achieving 100% zero waste may be aspirational, he stressed that consistent learning and application of circular principles, reuse, reduce, recycle, can significantly move the needle.
“Zero waste is a journey, not a destination. What matters most is that we all commit to taking action,” he said.
The webinar served as a platform to exchange ideas and foster collaboration across sectors, reinforcing the message that circular economy principles are essential to shaping a resilient, inclusive, and climate-smart future.
