The future of waste: Rethinking value and work in the circular economy transition
11:45
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12:30
As industries accelerate the shift to circular packaging systems, the focus has largely been on technical innovation and waste reduction. An easily overlooked facet of this transition is the human element.
There are an estimated 19 -24 million waste workers who rely on collecting, sorting and recycling waste for their livelihood. 80% of these are informal workers, and this category have been responsible for the collection of 60% of plastic waste destined for recycling globally (Fair Circularity Initiative, Systemiq, 2024). Despite their pivotal role in making the recycling system work, many operate under precarious conditions, lacking access to fair wages, social protections, and formal recognition.
The Fair Circularity Initiative brings together a group of leading FMCG companies to promote effective collaboration and dialogue with waste pickers to address this challenge head-on. Drawing on their work, this session will cover:
- The steps to integrate informal waste workers into formal waste management systems
- How EPR frameworks and the Global Plastic Treaty can acknowledge and compensate the contributions of informal workers
- Fair circularity principles: What are they, and why do they matter for business?
- The case for industry leadership: Why integrating human rights into circular packaging strategies allows for more resilient, locally adaptive and socially legitimate supply chains