Ethical Gaps in the Circular Economy Execution Process Undercutting the Benefits: Special Focus on Underdeveloped Countries

Sujith Gunawardhana ()
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Sujith Gunawardhana: University of Kelaniya

Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2025, vol. 5, issue 1, 719-728

Abstract: Abstract The circular economy is a system in which resources and energy are derived from renewable sources, efficiently used, and recycled to reduce waste and resource consumption and eliminate negative environmental impacts. However, it poses ethical questions about sustainability due to environmental and societal issues. Many societies face challenges when implementing the circular economy, as the concept is still young. The equitable distribution of the advantages and costs of circularity should be ensured during implementation, as some communities, particularly underdeveloped ones, may suffer unfairly disproportionately. Prioritizing the health and safety of workers, communities, and the environment is essential, and strict rules must be implemented to guard against harm. However, most underdeveloped countries need legal safeguards in this situation. The ultimate objective of the circular economy is to improve social, environmental, and economic performance, but its implementation also requires consideration of the ethics of care and non-epistemic values. Those are often hindered in underdeveloped countries due to the availability of infrastructure, technology, affordability, and poor legislative framework. To achieve long-term success in the circular economy, the implementation steps must be evaluated concerning all three areas of sustainability and ethical values such as the “ethics of care, non-epistemic values, and Kantian Ethics”. These ethical values are suggested to be a main part of all actions to promote a circular economy in underdeveloped countries, including policy developments and voluntary circular economic development actions. Otherwise, ethical gaps may lead underdeveloped countries to generate social pressure against the circular economy.

Keywords: Circular economy; Ethics; Sustainability; Values (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s43615-024-00446-7

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