In 2022, the UN set a new landmark target on “zero waste”, but reaching that endpoint will be challenging

UM General Assembly adopted, in December 2022, a new landmark resolution on ‘zero waste’. The unanimously decision, that was presented by Turkey and 105 other countries, called for continued discussion on zero-waste initiatives. The initiative aims to address the problem of billions of tons of waste being produced each year worldwide and encourages member states and UN bodies to implement zero-waste initiatives.

Until now, there has not been a multilateral progress targeting the elimination of waste. However, the UNEP’s International Environmental Technology Centre exists to offer technical advice on waste management, while the annual World Circular Economy Forum has been gathering business and political leaders on a voluntary basis. Waste management has been addressed alongside other environmental problems like emissions or pollution, but it doesn’t have attention it requires.

The target of zero waste reinforces the need of waste management in a circular system, in which all resources are conserved through the responsible production, consumption, reuse and recovery of products in a closed system. However, things are moving in the opposite direction: less than one-fifth of global waste is currently recycled or composted, one-third is ending up in the open dump, and another third ends up in landfill.

Plastic waste more than doubled from 2000 to 2019 to 353 million tons. Without considerable action, the flow of plastic into the ocean is projected to nearly triple by 2040, with 50kg of plastic per meter of coastline worldwide.

Universal Kraft with its non-profit organization is working on reducing the plastic waste in the oceans. Discover more here.

The need of waste management solutions

Waste can be a big problem, but it can also be an important asset in the energy mix. Waste-to-energy technologies have traditionally been large-scale operations with long-term returns. Today, more efficient, and smaller systems are being developed that are easier to implement in smaller contexts.

Universal Kraft has partnered with several suppliers who can provide smaller units optimised for different types of waste. These systems can be moved and adapted to different locations. The aim is to reduce pollution on land and at sea, and to provide an additional baseload power supply the energy mix.

Discover Universal Kraft Waste-to-Energy Solutions

Is it possible to reach ‘zero waste’?

Applying innovative solutions into effective results that address the bigger picture of achieving zero waste remains a major challenge. Some experts defend that the issue should be discussed at the source, meaning that we need to create more durable and sustainable materials, thus avoiding that any new product ends up in landfill in a short period of time. Also, less production and less consumption ultimately result in less waste.

The goal is a truly circular global economy that produces zero waste. This outcome requires an effective global policy and business practices.

The waste sector is far behind when compared to net zero emissions challenges. However, some progress in small sectors – such as the plastic consumption policies – shows that progress is possible.

Read the original article here.

Also read How can waste to energy solutions contribute to the circular economy