SwitchMed Programme: Supporting sustainable consumption and production practices for a circular economy in the Mediterranean

Policy case

Work together throughout the supply chain, internally within organisations and with the public sector and communities to increase transparency and create joint value

Team up to create joint value

'Mobilise' sets the direction of and builds momentum towards long-term change, while also determining how this direction is determined and governed.

Mobilise

Roadmaps and strategies and targets

Public-private partnerships

Raise awareness and run information campaigns about  strategies for and impacts of the circular economy in different contexts.

Communication and awareness

A framework of policy instruments that enabled and encourage the transition to the circular economy

Policies

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A framework of policy instruments that enable and stimulate the transition to the circular economy

The principles of a circular economy concern designing out waste, regenerating ecosystems and keeping items in use. Decoupling the economy from material flows—improving the rate of resource productivity faster than the economic growth rate—is also a consistent guide. By evolving with the growing number of applications of circular economy principles, and consolidating these strategies across thematic areas, Circle Economy’s Key Elements Framework (KE) renders the elements of the circular economy salient and serves as a basis to derive contextual strategies and interventions. 


The Framework consists of:
- Core Elements: Activities directly handling product or material flows; and uniquely,
- Enabling Elements: those that remove obstacles for core actors.


Key elements of the circular economy

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Circle Economy's framework of strategies and activities that define the circular economy

      HomeThematic areasPolicySCP-NAPs monitoring and implementationMorocco                
To sustainable consumption and production for circular and green economies
From policy to policy implementation
National priorities: sustainable housing and construction; sustainable agriculture and food
         The process to develop an SCP-NAP kicked-off with an extensive state of the art on Sustainable Consumption and Production in Morocco and the publication of a structured report.  Based on the results of this assessment report Morocco decided to develop three distinct documents:
(I) a national framework for the promotion of sustainable Consumption and Production;
(II) a sectorial ten-year action plan for agriculture and agri-food;
(III) a sectorial ten-year action plan for eco-construction and sustainable buildings.
These national documents were built upon already existing and validated national strategies and plans to assure coherence, sustainability and implementation of the plans and followed an in-depth consultation process involving a large and diverse group of national stakeholders in Morocco (government, private sector, civil society, media, academia).SCP National Framework
The process of developing the MCPD National Framework Plan for Morocco made it possible to carry out a cross-analysis of production and consumption patterns and to define seven strategic orientations that provide a reference framework and actions to promote SCP in Morocco. Sectorial ten-year action plan for sustainable agriculture and food in Morocco
Six strategic axes have been formulated in the action plan aimed at strengthening Moroccan agricultural policy and the setting up of instruments and mechanisms for the development of a sustainable agriculture and raising awareness of the consumers for purchasing more environmentally friendly food:

Improving the efficiency and sustainability of resources through sustainable production practices;
Integration of climate change (mitigation and adaptation) into agricultural production practices;
Promotion of the circular economy to optimize the flow of material and energy in the production and consumption chains;
Strengthening skills and improving green employability and entrepreneurship in different parts of the food system;
Development of certification instruments, organic labeling and eco-labeling;
Promotion of sustainable food and waste management.

Sectorial ten-year action plan for eco-construction and sustainable buildings in Morocco
The implementation of the action plan and 5 strategic axes aim to promote a global eco-design approach to buildings in Morocco and the progressive development of a public and private park of sustainable buildings. The strategic axes concern all stakeholders involved in the construction and construction sector. The different phases of the process included:

Consideration of resource efficiency in architectural design;
Design of low carbon and climate resilient buildings;
Improvement of the internal environment;
Developing accompanying devices;
Capacity Building for Stakeholders;
 

Egypt

Israel

Palestine

Morocco

Tunisia

Lebanon

Jordan

Algeria

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system, and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment.

Our mission is to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment by inspiring, informing, and enabling nations and peoples to improve their quality of life without compromising that of future generations.

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United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

‘’The SwitchMed initiative aims at achieving a circular economy in the southern Mediterranean by changing the way goods and services are produced and consumed. In order to achieve this, the initiative provides tools and services directly to the private sector, supports an enabling policy environment, and facilitates exchange of information among partners and key stakeholders.' [1]

Article / Report

Impacts on the social fabric of the community and well-being of the individuals and families.

Social Impact

Impact on increased knowledge and understanding as a result of the case study

Increase Awareness

Providing public and private education and support services at any level or for any profession, and governmental and public administration services, including judicial, regulatory, and legislative activities, taxation, defence, public order and safety, immigration services, foreign affairs and the administration of government programmes

Education and Government Services

Provide guidance or professional training to educate employees to use circular economy principles

Training on the circular economy

'Inform' increases the overall levels of awareness and builds the necessary skills and knowledge around the circular economy to foster long-term change.

Inform

Integrate principles of circularity into primary, secondary and tertiary curriculum and conduct workplace trainings

 Education and Curriculum

Awareness raising events

Information campaigns

 Develop research, structure knowledge, encourage innovation networks and disseminate findings with integrity


Strengthen and advance knowledge

Impacts

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Industries

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FERRARA, 13 December 2019 – The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has introduced policymakers from Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco to the different phases of the circular economy from engineering, economics and law perspectives. The training programme on circular economy policies for representatives of Ministries of Industry, Economy, Commerce, Finance and Environment was provided by UNIDO in collaboration with the University of Ferrara, the Centre for Research on Circular economy, Innovation and SMEs (CERCIS) and the SEEDS interuniversity research centre.
Working groups were encouraged to think about circular economy solutions for specific products from technical and policy points of view. The programme also included meetings with representatives of Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, clusters of private-public organizations, the energy and financial sectors, and the Centoform vocational training centre, as well as a field trip to the Renazzo headquarters of the metal recycling company, Guidetti Recycling Systems.
For information, contact:
Nicola Cantore
Research and Industrial Policy Officer
Department of Policy Research and Statistics, UNIDO
n.cantore@unido.org Franz Brugger
Capacity Development Manager
Department of Policy Research and Statistics, UNIDO
f.brugger@unido.org



 SEEDS is an interuniversity research centre that aims at developing and promote research and higher education projects in the fields of ecological and environmental economics, with a special eye to the role of policy and innovation in the path towards a sustainable society, in economic and environmental terms. Main fields of action are Environmental policy, economics of innovation, energy economics and policy, economic evaluation by stated preference techniques, waste management and policy, climate change and development. 

Government of Tunisia

Government of Morocco

Government of Egypt

University of Ferrara

Centre for Research on Circular economy, Innovation and SMEs (CERCIS) 

Interuniversity research centre SEEDS

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has introduced policymakers from Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco to the different phases of the circular economy from engineering, economics and law perspectives. The training programme on circular economy policies for representatives of Ministries of Industry, Economy, Commerce, Finance and Environment was provided by UNIDO in collaboration with the University of Ferrara, the&nbsp;Centre for Research on Circular economy, Innovation and SMEs&nbsp;(CERCIS) and the&nbsp;SEEDS interuniversity research centre.

Circular economy training for policymakers from Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco

Business case

Impact on the availability of resources as well as their effect on living organisms, ecosystems, and components of the environment.

Ecological Impact

Minimise waste through diversion: Instead of sending waste to landfill, it is redirected into other industrial processes for handling, treatment, recycling, recovery, or reuse in various forms. 

Minimise waste through design: At the outset of a process of project, plan and design such that there is zero waste or minimal waste during production, use, and at end of life. 

Minimise Waste (SDG12)

Producing and providing business and consumer goods and services

Goods and Services

Producing textile and leather products and processing them into apparel and accessories

Fashion and Textiles

Account for the systems perspective during the design process, to use the right materials, to design for appropriate lifetime and to design for extended future use

Design for the future

Reuse, repurpose, and recycle waste streams within the same industry

Valorise waste streams - closed loop

Reuse, repurpose, and recycle waste streams within other industries

Valorise waste streams - open loop

Designing to reduce waste during production and use

Design out waste

Industry peers to industry peer collaboration to create joint value and identify synergies

Industry collaboration

Designing products so they use as little materials, water, energy, etc. as possible during use

Design for resource efficiency

Designing products to remove any barriers to recycling and enable easy recyclability

Design for recycling

Engaging in discussions with industry stakeholders to share circular economy best practices and push the industry towards greater circularity

Guidance, dialogue with industry stakeholders

 Great news! We have just been accredited the ISO 9001 : 2015 quality certificate.   Being the leader in the field of textile recycling in Tunisia and North Africa, Sofrip company is constantly growing and improving its performance and the quality of its products and services.  Sofrip’s Corporate board, managers, and team, in coherence with its strategic vision which ultimate aim is the satisfaction of its clients, have taken steps towards quality management. Always faithful to our mantra, “WHO SEEKS PERFECTION FINDS EXCELLENCE”, we took it on our shoulders to put in place a management system conform with the quality norm of ISO 9001 :2015.  Today, Sofrip Textile Recycling is honored and proud to announce it successfully acquired the ISO 9001 :2015 accreditation.  This international attestation is the most globally recognized quality certification, guaranteeing that our products and services meet the needs of our partners and clients all over the world.  Sofrip acquired the ISO 9001 :2015 certification on the 23rd of September 2020, following the favorable outcome of the SGS certification committee.  Accredited by SGS, a renowned institution, this certificate covers all Sofrip's activities; sorting, recycling and commercialization of used clothes and shoes.Thus, this ISO 9001: 2015 certificate proves Sofrip’s directors, managers and employee’s willingness and devotion to insure products and services of the highest grade to those who trust us; our collaborators, clients and partners.  Indeed, this certification consolidates and rewards the quality measures that are at the root of Sofrip’s success, placing our clients and partners’ needs at the top of our priorities.  A reward that crowns the whole team’s effort; nevertheless, not an end to our ambition to continuously innovate and improve our procedures and activities in the aim of excellence.  “AMBITION OF EXCELLENCE HAS NO LIMITS, IT IS INFINITE” 

Our take on the most classic fit.Versatile, regular, and rigid. — This is Gritty Jackson.

Stakeholders of the Tunisian textile sector want to reduce the environmental impact of their activity. A seminar was held in Tunis on November 26, 2019, on the theme “promoting circular value chains for a competitive and sustainable textile industry”. Organised by the Tunisian Textile and Clothing Federation (FTTH), the meeting was designed to introduce textile operators to a green economy approach, where chemical waste from factories is recycled or valorised. Textiles, which is a pillar of the Tunisian economy, contributes more than 20% to the GDP, with 1,600 companies, 160,000 jobs and €2.2 billion in export sales, and exerts a strong pressure on the environment.
Textile production consumes a lot of resources and generates a lot of waste. According to the World Wildlife Foundation (WWF), global cotton production alone consumes 25% of the insecticides and 10% of the herbicides used in the world. In addition, the air pollution it generates exceeds that generated by emissions from shipping and air traffic combined. Emissions of greenhouse gases are estimated at 1.2 billion tons of CO² equivalent in 2015. The eco-responsibility of Tunisian textiles is further reinforced by the “MedTestIII” initiative.
It aims at developing circular textile value chains, recovering textile waste, and was launched during the Tunis seminar. Funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), this programme is also expected to be implemented in two other North African countries: Morocco and Egypt. “More and more international brands are setting up collection and recycling units for used clothing. We must not miss this train which is the key to the durability and sustainability of the national textile and clothing sector,” said Hosni Boufaden, FTTH President. Concretely, Med TestIII will strengthen local infrastructure, technical expertise and know-how to promote the appropriate classification, efficient collection, sorting and recycling of post-industrial and pre-consumer textile waste.
Boris Ngounou


Two companies in Tunisia are responsible for over half of Nudie Jeans’ production value. To develop greener production processes in Tunisia, Nudie Jeans has been working with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) as part of the European Union-funded SwitchMed project. In December 2020, a two-phase pilot project began to test the feasibility of recycling second-quality jeans into fabric for new jeans in Tunisia. Brinkberg says that in the first phase, to be completed by May 2021, “Eight thousand pairs of second-choice jeans are being used, together with virgin denim fabric, to create 20,000 metres of new fabric. From this new fabric, 15,000 pairs of new jeans will be created.” The data from this initiative will enable UNIDO to assess the feasibility of recycling second-quality jeans into fibres for new denim fabric at scale.  A second phase will focus on developing an upcycling and remanufacturing scheme with local designers in Tunisia and will explore the possibilities for recycling post-industrial cutting waste from jeans production. Roberta De Palma, Chief Technical Advisor at UNIDO, explains, “The current production system for fashion goods uses high volumes of virgin fibres, which creates a significant pressure on valuable resources, such as water.” According to the United Nations, approximately 10,000 litres of water are required to make one single pair of jeans from the production of the cotton to the delivery of the final product to the store. De Palma says, “Exploring ways for recycling post-industrial textile waste could reduce this dependency and support the development of a recycling infrastructure in the production countries.” Water scarcity has long been a challenge in Tunisia but climate change, combined with rapid urbanization, has made the problem even more acute. With demands from industry and agriculture putting immense pressure on Tunisia’s water resources, Nudie Jeans and UNIDO are hoping their project will show a way to do more with less.

Tunisia’s textile industry is set to place greater focus on sustainable business practices, with the launch of a new initiative that will engage stakeholders in aligning with circular production principles and creating more robust recycling infrastructure.An event, organised by the Tunisian Textile and Clothing Federation (FTTH) and held towards the end of 2019 in the country’s capital, honed in on “promoting circular value chains for a competitive and sustainable textile industry”. It was here that Med TestIII – the new initiative – was launched.Tunisia’s textiles industry is a pillar of the country’s economy and, with more than 1,600 companies, registers an estimated €2.2 billion in export sales. That said, it’s believed the nation’s industry lags behind with regards to its sustainability efforts, something stakeholders insist must be changed if it is to continue to be successful.Inviting major players, November’s sustainability seminar sought to inspire and align stakeholders in overhauling its business-as-usual approach to crucially factor in waste management.With the launch of its new Med TestIII initiative – funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) – firms can be guided in developing circular textile value chains.“More and more international brands are setting up collection and recycling units for used clothing. We must not miss this train which is the key to the durability and sustainability of the national textile and clothing sector,” said Hosni Boufaden, FTTH President.Set to be further rolled out into both Morocco and Egypt, the initiative will vie to strengthen local infrastructure, technical expertise and know-how. This, to promote an efficient textile collection, sorting and recycling service for post-industrial and pre-consumer textile waste.Courtesy: Eco Textile News

       Written by Chris Remington	    Published: 08 January 2020        TUNIS – Tunisia’s textile industry is set to place greater focus on sustainable business practices, with the launch of a new initiative that will engage stakeholders in aligning with circular production principles and creating more robust recycling infrastructure. An event, organised by the Tunisian Textile and Clothing Federation (FTTH) and held towards the end of 2019 in the country’s capital, honed in on “promoting circular value chains for a competitive and sustainable textile industry”. It was here that Med TestIII – the new initiative – was launched. Log in or subscribe to see this content    

Africa

Sfax

Tunis

Nudie Jeans 

Sofrip

Tunisian Textile and Clothing Federation (FTTH)

During the last years, Tunisia's government strengthened the textiles sector to boost rural employment and drive economic change. A strategic focus, among others, was put on environmental friendly production which is why the Tunisian Textile and Clothing Federation (FTTH) has organised a seminar on the recovery and recycling of post-industrial waste in the clothing sector.&nbsp;Furthermore, Tunisia’s textile industry wants to place greater focus on sustainable business practices, with the launch of a new initiative that will engage stakeholders in aligning with circular production principles and creating a more robust recycling infrastructure. Examples like the Tunisian company Sofrip, a leading actor in textile recycling, which has the goal of upholding a ‘zero waste’ philosophy or companies which are responsible for over half of Nudie Jeans production value to develop greener production processes, are change-makers towards more sustainable production of textiles.

Creating a robust recycling infrastructure in Tunisia 

Impacts on the financial condition of a company, as well as the the economicconditions of its stakeholders and on economic systems at local, national, andglobal levels.

Economic Impact

Ensure renewable, reusable, non-toxic resources are utilised as materials and energy in an efficient way

Prioritise regenerative resources

Utilise waste streams as a source of secondary resources and recover waste for reuse and recycling

Use waste as a resource

Consider opportunities to create greater value and align incentives that build on the interaction between products and services

Rethink the business model

by Manuel Albaladejo, Representative and Director of the UNIDO Office for Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay.
Translated from the Spanish original published by Argentina's El Economista, 2 September 2021*.
Industry has always polarized public opinion. Over the last few decades, we have experienced intense debates for and against industrial policy. Today, following the adoption of re-industrialization plans promoted by wealthy countries that previously questioned it, there seems to be a certain consensus on the benefits of industry and the public policies behind it. Case closed. 
The debate now gravitates between two poles: industry as hero or villain in the environmental crisis? 
On one hand, industry generates almost a quarter of the world’s greenhouse gases and consumes, often inefficiently, a large part of the planet’s natural resources. 
On the other, through the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies and the development of disruptive business models, industry can become a transformative force and position itself as one of the drivers in the fight against climate change.
 From this pernicious industry to its antithesis, there is only one step: to move from the linear industrial model based on a “take-make-waste” mentality, towards a restorative and regenerative circular industry model, based on eco-design, servitization (service as a product), the efficient use of resources and the extension of product life cycle. 
The discourse on climate change revolves around our dependence on fossil fuels, while the impact of linear production and consumption on the generation of greenhouse gases is often sidelined in the general public’s mind. However, a study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation indicates that implementing circular practices in the cement, steel, plastics and aluminum industries would reduce their emissions by 40% by 2050. 
If these predictions are correct, the transition to a circular industry will be key in the fight against climate change. This places industrialists at the centre of the debate. Of course, big oil companies, their lobbyists and governments in turn are to blame, but so are the production and consumption patterns derived from an unsustainable linear economy. 
The argument in favour of a shift towards sustainable production, although altruistic and well-intentioned, has not been convincing in the eyes of many industrialists, since “what is good for the environment is not necessarily good for business”. It is precisely in these types of statements where the circular economy bites the dust. While this is not the place to present the evidence of numerous studies on the impact of the circular economy, I do want to mention some figures that may be of industrial interest. 
In the non-ferrous metals sector, such as aluminum, processes using secondary inputs demonstrate greater efficiency than those based on virgin inputs. For example, for every kilogram of recycled aluminum produced, six less kilograms of bauxite, four less kilograms of chemicals and 14 less kWh of electricity are used. 
The profitability of industrial waste has generated a highly dynamic global market for secondary raw materials, making us rethink the term waste. Are we not perhaps dealing with a resource that through circularity has become even more profitable than its virgin counterpart? 
It is worth noting that the circular economy goes beyond the recovery and valorization of waste. For instance, the application of circularity in the construction industry can save up to 15% of material in the design phase, improve energy efficiency by up to 40%, allow for a more productive use of space, and replace demolition with deconstruction, significantly reducing the amount of construction waste that crams our landfills. 
In the textile industry, the transition from fast fashion to a more sustainable and circular model through rental, repair and reuse (of second-hand items) holds an economic opportunity valued at US$560bn. I could go on giving figures on the impact of the circular economy in a plethora of different industries. 
These impressive numbers may lead us to believe that a circular industry is only meant for large companies in wealthy countries. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is ample evidence of the implementation of circular industrial practices in Latin America's small and medium enterprises. I have had the privilege of working with or personally visiting some, such as: 

Rincon de Albano, a circular dairy farm in Uruguay that, in addition to producing milk, generates biogas that it uses and also sells to the country’s electricity grid; 
Uruplac, a Uruguayan company that produces furniture from non-recoverable plastic plates; 
MIDAS, a company that engages in urban mining (among other activities) in a traditional mining country like Chile, producing aluminum ingots and copper powder derived from the recycling and recovery of e-waste; 
Neptuno Pumps, a world-class Chilean company that remanufactures and redesigns large water pumps for the mining industry; 
Daravi, an Argentine company that designs and produces diverse items from discards, among many others... 

The transition towards a circular economy is reinforced by a series of incentives that confirm its universality and projection. On one hand, Green Deals and Circular Economy Action Plans have been endorsed by most industrialized countries. The business implications for trading partners are noteworthy. European Union directives on sustainable production, resource efficiency, the right to repair, and the fight against planned obsolescence and “greenwashing” can become both major opportunities and barriers to entry into the European market. 
On the other hand, given the pressure from companies to implement circularity practices, ISO is developing a series of circular economy standards based on some existing ones such as ISO 14001/14006 and ISO 50001. Future certification, although optional, may attract partners and consumers who share a similar vision. 
And finally, the financing market for the circular economy is booming. In just four years, private equity funds, led by the likes of BlackRock, Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs, have gone from three to thirty. 
At the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the organization that I represent in the Southern Cone, we want to join in the celebration of Industry Day*, and we do so by identifying trends and supporting practices that can strengthen the sector within the context of increasing and much-needed demands regarding sustainability. 
We cannot and should not excuse an industry that operates outside the current climate reality. It would be counterproductive for a sector that should be a hero when it comes to economic recovery and the fight against climate change. That is why, on a day like today, we should not only pay tribute to industry but also advocate for the kind of industry we want for the future. That future seems to be increasingly circular.   * In Argentina, Industry Day is on 2 September 1857, commemorating the date on which the caravel San Antonio set sail from the port of Buenos Aires to Brazil, loaded with bags of flour and fabric. It was the first export of goods manufactured in Argentina.

Is a circular industry only meant for large companies in wealthy countries? Nothing could be further from the truth. There is ample evidence of the implementation of circular industrial practices in Latin America's small and medium enterprises.Manuel Albaladejo, Representative and Director of the UNIDO Office for Argentina, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay, writes that the transition to a circular industry will be key in the fight against climate change.Check out the article originally published by Argentina's El Economista on 2 September 2021.

Industry: the future is circular 

Providing specialist services to support consumers, businesses, andgovernments

Professional Services

 

 

About the model Chemical Leasing is a performance-based business model for sustainable chemicals management. Chemical Leasing aims at a more efficient use of chemicals in the production process by redefining the business relationship between the chemical user and the supplier. 
The conventional business model assumes that the more you sell, the more you earn. However, in Chemical Leasing the supplier does not sell quantities. The supplier sells the performance, the function of the chemical. This is the service rendered by the chemical or the purpose for which the chemical is applied.
For example, the function of the chemical could be to clean or degrease metal parts, or to protect a surface. Payment is then made according to functional units, that is, the number of pieces cleaned or the extent of area coated.
To learn more, please visit: www.chemicalleasing.org







UNIDO initiative  In 2004, with the support of the Government of Austria, UNIDO launched its Global Chemical Leasing Programme, promoting a performance-based business model that marks a paradigm shift from increasing the sales volume of chemicals toward a value-added approach. UNIDO's Global Chemical Leasing Programme contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 and addresses in particular SDG 9, “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”. It also relates directly to the SDGs 3, 6, 12 and 13. The initiative is fully in line with SAICM principles and aims to contribute to the Circular Economy movement. Today, more than fifteen years later, there is no doubt that the performance-based business model, Chemical Leasing, can build the business case for sustainable chemical management by creating win-win situations for business partners and the environment.
Built on strong cooperation between partners and based on mutual trust, it increases the efficient use of chemicals, reduces the risks to human health brought about by their use, improves the economic and environmental performance of participating companies and ultimately enhances business performance. 






Joint Declaration of Intent On 21 November 2016, the UNIDO-led global and multi-stakeholder initiative on Chemical Leasing achieved another milestone with the signing of the Joint Declaration of Intent on Chemical Leasing between UNIDO, Austria, Germany and Switzerland under the umbrella of UNIDO's 50 Years' anniversary week in Vienna, Austria. Later Peru, Serbia, El Salvador and Sri Lanka also joint the initiative. The legally non-binding declaration is open for additional partners and aims to increase awareness of Chemical Leasing at the political level and strengthens the cooperation of the partners in global promotion activities.







Global Chemical Leasing Award In 2009 UNIDO, supported by its partners, launched the Global Chemical Leasing Award. It aims at acknowledging best practices and inspiring companies and individuals around the globe to apply the Chemical Leasing business concept. In December 2019, UNIDO announced the 5th edition of the award (Press release). The ceremony will take place in July 2021 in Bonn, Germany (the dates have been changed due to the coronavirus pandemic). Companies and individuals could apply for the Award in five categories: Three main categories (Case studies, Innovation, Research) and two special awards (Women-led initiatives, Start-ups). The application period was closed on 15 December 2020. Detailed information about each award category and requirements are provided here. The Award 2020 is jointly organized by UNIDO, the Austrian Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK), the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU), the German Environment Agency (UBA), the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the European Association of Chemical Distributors (FECC).
The following organizations are committed to help disseminate information about, and promote Chemical Leasing and the global Award: The Green Growth Knowledge Partnership, ISC3 and ENACTUS (the world´s largest experiential learning platform). 





Chemical Leasing Book:  In 2020, UNIDO, together with its partners from the Austrian, German and Swiss governments, published the book: “ChemicaL Leasing: Function to Impact”. This publication is a unique collection of insights, best practices and real examples of how the private sector, society at large, and the environment can benefit from the sustainable business approach, Chemical Leasing. It can be downloaded here:
https://chemicalleasing.org/book2020 Interested to learn more about Chemical Leasing? Explore the following resources: Chemical Leasing website provides details on global Chemical Leasing activities, the Global Chemical Leasing Award, latest news and publications.
Chemical Leasing Toolkit offers a methodologic guidance to implement Chemical Leasing at the company/policy level.
FB page shares practical insights, reflections and experiences related to the Chemical Leasing business model and Sustainable Chemical Management 
Chemical Leasing webinars aim to create a better understanding of Chemical Leasing principles and develop skills for introducing and applying Chemical Leasing in practice Chemical Leasing video on Youtube Contact us:  Questions about the Chemical Leasing business model and respective award may be addressed to ChemicalLeasing@unido.org. Other useful links: 
www.IAMC-toolkit.org The Toolkit “Innovative Approaches for the Sound Management of Chemicals and Chemical Waste” (IAMC) developed by UNIDO, provides practical tools, techniques, and documentation (methodological guide & technical resources) on the topics related to Green Chemistry and chemical process improvement, Hazard Management, and Operational Excellence.
https://www.iomctoolbox.org/ The IOMC Toolbox for Decision Making in Chemicals Management is a problem solving tool that enables countries to identify the most appropriate and efficient national actions to address specific national problems related to chemicals management.









   
  With Chemical Leasing towards a sustainable world

The problem
Too often, the lack of cooperation between suppliers and users of chemicals leads to an unnecessary over-consumption of chemicals and the generation of hazardous waste. It is a problem of profit: Conventional management approaches for the business with chemicals are based on turnover. Producers of chemicals are driven by the assumption that “The more you sell the more you earn”. Unfortunately, this approach often encourages the inefficient use of chemicals and the generation of hazardous waste. It can hinder innovation, and may lead to a dynamic that is linked to the unsustainable management of chemicals.
The solution
Chemical Leasing is based on an alternative approach that turns the business model upside down: profit doesn't depend on more volume, but less. At the heart of the model is the idea that economic success no longer depends on the volume of chemicals sold, but on the service that is linked with the chemicals. Chemical consumption becomes a cost rather than a revenue factor. The business partners and the environment shall benefit from the co-creation of jointly developed resource-efficient and innovative solutions and fair profit-sharing.”
Read the article: "Chemical Leasing - The Solution to Managing Chemicals Sustainably: 12 Things You Need to Know" to learn about the key aspects of Chemical Leasing.  The UNIDO definition of Chemical Leasing:
Chemical Leasing is a service-oriented business model that shifts the focus from increasing sales volume of chemicals towards a value-added approach.
The producer mainly sells the functions performed by the chemical and functional units are the main basis for payment.
Within Chemical Leasing business models the responsibility of the producer and service provider is extended and may include management of the entire life cycle.
Chemical Leasing strives for a win-win situation. It aims at increasing the efficient use of chemicals while reducing the risks of chemicals and protecting human health. It improves the economic and environmental performance of participating companies and enhances their access to new markets.
Key elements of successful Chemical Leasing business models are proper benefit sharing, high quality standards and mutual trust between participating companies.

See more:
  
  

The conventional business model assumes that the more you sell, the more you earn. However, in chemical leasing&nbsp;the supplier does not sell quantities. The supplier sells the performance, the function of the chemical. This is the service rendered by the chemical or the purpose for which the chemical is applied.

What is chemical leasing?

Reduced green house gas emissions released into the biosphere

Reduce Emissions (SDG13)

Reduced use and withdrawal of water and rate of recycling and reuse of water

Save Water (SDG6)

Contributing to the improvement of biodiversity including species diversity, total number of protected species, and ecosystem health

Biodiversity

Extracting resources and processing them to produce materials for use bysociety

Materials and Fuels

Societal Services

Collecting waste from households and businesses by means of refuse bins, wheeled bins, containers, etc., and providing treatment, incineration, materials recovery and reclamation, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste

Waste Management

Designing products so they produce as little waste as possible during production

Design for minimal waste

Implement innovation programmes

'Incentivise' sends market signals and support to businesses, citizens and governments to promote certain activities.

Incentivise

Economic Frameworks

Grow countries globally account for 55% of all raw material extraction and 52% of the material footprint, while housing around 37% of the global population.

These are larger Southeast Asian countries and countries in Latin America and Northern Africa, as well as those with an economy in transition in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.

Examples include :
- China
- Indonesia
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Vietnam
- Myanmar
- Egypt, ...

Large contribution to the overshoot of planetary boundaries—largely due to the consumptions of local materials in higher-
income (Shift) countries: these countries contribute 50% of climate change, 62% of nitrogen, 60% of phosphorus, 53% of freshwater use and 42% of land use change.

To find out what country profile your country belongs to, explore [this interactive story](https://circularity-gap.world) and search for your country on the final map.

Grow

Consumables are a diverse and complex group of products - such as mobile phones, refrigerators, clothing, cleaning agents, personal care products and paints - that generally have short to medium lifetimes in society. Textiles including clothing also consume many different kinds of resources such as cotton, synthetic materials like polyester, dye pigments, and chemicals.




Consumables

- Use bio-plastic
- Use less plastic
- Use less chemicals

Saving: 0.96 Gt emissions and 2.50 Gt material use

👚📺 Chemicals free

Whilst no two countries are the same, there are still obvious similarities between some of them, with discernible development patterns and parallels in evidence. Common problems and shared solutions help place unique country identities and individual issues in context.

Whilst this classification is far from clear-cut and exhibits some overlap, it does underline how the discourse on transitioning to a circular economy needs to account for both differences and commonalities, if we are to arrive at a more strategic and instructive analysis. It also allows to highlight a set of key themes that are likely to be central to the countries that fall under the respective profiles. 

Country profiles (Build, Grow, Shift)

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A framework to distinguish between different country profiles and their circular transition needs.

The framework consists of 21 complementary interventions, across six scenarios - one for each of the six societal needs we model. These interventions can mitigate climate impact by curbing GHG emissions

Note: interventions are currently focused on:
- 🏠 Housing 
- 🍎 Nutrition
- 🚗 Mobility
- 👚📺 Consumables
- 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️ Healthcare
-  🔊 Communication

These 21 interventions are spread across six societal needs and wants, with a set of solutions. Within these solutions are strategies on ’how to get there'.  

The framework moves beyond incremental action and provides solutions that will require behavioral change (dietary shifts towards less meat consumption, for example) and the adoption of state-of-the-art technologies in the industry to mitigate emissions in hard-to-abate sectors (such as steel manufacturing). It illustrates how continued globalisation can benefit from the uptake of digital solutions. The combined interventions showcase the mitigation potential that begins where the current country pledges end; illustrating the additional impact our interventions can bring to the NDCs. In short, the interventions provide input for a more profound fundamental transformation than the more current pathways that make up the vast majority of NDCs. 

Together, the combined interventions can almost double the current global Circularity Metric of 8.6%, bringing it to 17%. 

This results in:
• Shrinking global material use and extraction by 28%. 
• Cutting global GHG emissions by 39%—fully closing the Emissions Gap as defined in our report and taking into account the updated NDCs.
• Allowing the world to achieve the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping at 1.5-degrees of warming by 2032.

*This framework was developed in the Circularity Gap Report 2021. Read more about it [here](https://www.circle-economy.com/resources/circularity-gap-report-2021)*






Global Circularity Gap Report

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Vortex (2022).JPG

An intervention-based framework for nations and stakeholders working towards circular countries

 Washington, DC, January 23, 2018—Eco-industrial parks (EIP) are on the rise. There are about 250 self-styled eco-industrial parks operating or under development worldwide today, while just as recently as 2000, there were fewer than 50.Eco-industrial parks (EIP) offer the business advantages of traditional industrial parks while also using resources more efficiently, improving productivity, supporting the achievement of firms’ social responsibility goals, and lowering exposure to climate change risks.However, despite their proliferation, there hasn’t been an internationally accepted definition of what makes an EIP an EIP, until now.A new publication written by the World Bank Group, United Nations Development Organization (UNIDO), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH developed the first joint international framework on EIPs, An International Framework for Eco-Industrial Parks, which defines the minimum parameters for environmental, social, and economic performance of EIPs.“By coming together, our three organizations aim to pave the way for creating a common vision for eco-industrial parks, which countries can use and modify according to their own needs,” said Ceyla Pazarbasioglu, Senior Director of the Bank Group’s Finance, Competitiveness and Innovation Global Practice (FCI). “We hope this common framework fills the current void in the understanding of eco-industrial parks and encourages their development on a global scale.”Industrial parks cluster industrial businesses in a dedicated location to achieve efficiencies and take advantage of collaborative opportunities. But concentrating economic activity in one area runs the risk of also concentrating negative environmental and social impacts, such as pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and poor labor standards.The EIP framework describes the minimum expectations for eco-industrial centers across four categories:Park management performanceEnvironmental performanceSocial performanceEconomic performanceAs a baseline, EIPs must comply with all applicable local and national regulations. They must also meet the broader minimum expectations set out within this framework.“This EIP framework aims to strike a balance between meaningful and achievable performance requirements,” says Etienne Kechichian, Senior Private Sector Specialist for the World Bank Group. “The requirements need to be meaningful to make a difference in key areas, but they cannot be so high that parks with some successful initiatives can’t qualify as EIPs.”


Industrial growth helps relieve developing and emerging economies from poverty, delivers goods and services, creates jobs and improves standards of living. But it also consumes resources, water and energy at a faster-than-sustainable rate, generates waste and pollutants.
Today’s companies are faced with the challenge of sustainable growth. Producers are constantly looking for ways to become more competitive in global markets by reducing their production costs. However, the current scenario demands that they do so by using fewer resources and reducing pollution.
Trying to increase production and reduce costs while simultaneously improving environmental performance can no longer be a trade-off. Industrial Parks and sustainable growth
Industrial Parks tackle this problem by helping companies save both money and resources. In them, industries that would traditionally be apart are placed together in areas zoned and planned for industrial development where they share the same infrastructure and environmental services. Sharing common wastewater treatment facilities, for example, is a way of improving environmental performance at a cost that a single industrial facility could never achieve on its own.
Regrouping also lets companies exploit opportunities that turn one firm’s waste into another’s input, such as reusing or recycling resources like as water and plastics.
The companies set in the industrial estate are not the only ones to benefit. 
Regulators also have a lot to gain. They can use Industrial Parks as a way to incentive certain industries to move away from urban centers and densely populated areas, improving the environmental quality in the areas from which they depart.
Industrial Parks are also particularly interesting to small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), since their size often inhibits them from using effective pollution-control technologies. Regrouping SMEs gives regulators the possibility to control their pollution, a task that otherwise would be quite difficult.
Having a group of companies together also decreases the amount of time and resources regulators need to monitor and inspect the pollution generated by the facilities, since don’t have to be concerned with the emissions from each individual company but from the Industrial Park as a whole.
UNIDO’s contribution
The establishment and management of Industrial Parks involve a range of technical, economic and policy aspects. UNIDO has a multidisciplinary group of experts which offers an integrated approach for their successful implementation.
The Programme for Country Partnership
UNIDO’s flagship initiative -- the Programme for Country Partnership (PCP), has the development of Industrial Parks at its center.
The PCP is UNIDO’s innovative model for accelerating inclusive and sustainable industrial development in Member States. Aligned with the national development agenda and focused on sectors with high growth potential, the programme supports a country in achieving its industrial development goals.
Through the PCP, UNIDO has assisted the government of Senegal in operationalizing the first phase of Diamniadio, the country’s first integrated Industrial Park. In Ethiopia, UNIDO is assisting in the establishment of four integrated Agro-Industrial Parks (IAIPs). In Peru, UNIDO is also working with the government to develop Industrial Parks and transform existing industrial zones.
The Green Silk Road Project
Another initiative is the Green Silk Road, which grants a certification to industrial zones which follow a set of guidelines that ensure their green development. Its goal is to strengthen economic cooperation in the region by promoting forms of industrial development that are sustainable.
These guidelines – established in partnership with local authorities – promote good practices which lead industrial parks to minimize waste, maximize resources and energy efficiency and drastically reduce the pollutants they generate. 
The Green Silk road is an effort to make the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) means to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
Eco-Industrial Parks
Another approach also fosters economic and social progress and help to protect the environment. Eco-Industrial Parks (EIP) are a future-oriented eco-industrial development concept that integrates industry and nature to offer businesses prospects for growth, improve eco-systems and foster innovation. They are different from usual Industrial Parks because they not only offer the possibility of sharing resources, but actively aim at promoting the exchange of services, materials, energy, water, waste and by-products.

 This edition of the Environmental Sustainability in Asia Publication Series reflects the progress, challenges and opportunities of the seven principal themes in Cambodia, highlighting good practices in a wide variety of societies and disciplines. KEI recognizes experience sharing can be an effective development cooperation tool for its neighboring developing countries to fulfill their commitments to the international community and contributing responsibly to global efforts for sustainable development. By focusing on the experiences of the Cambodian government, international organizations, international development agencies, and think tanks, the Environmental Sustainability in Asia Publication Series aim to project the benefits of experience into future actions and institutional commitments to better understanding effective actions in achieving the SDGs in the developing countries in Asia.


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       The Environmental Sustainability in Asia publication series, published by the Korea Environment Institute (KEI), demonstrates a comprehensive picture of the progress, challenges and opportunities of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) implementation in the Asian countries.Environmental Sustainability in Asia: Vietnam focuses on the country of Vietnam. Vietnam is considered a development success country as it has transformed from being one of the poorest nations in the world to a middle-income country after two decades of rapid economic growth. Amid such rapid economic growth, Vietnam is facing significant challenges which can severely compromise the country’s sustainable development (UNDP Vietnam). In response, Vietnam has made significant commitments providing potentials to bypass to smarter solutions for resilient development. KEI recognizes experience sharing can be an effective development cooperation tool for its neighboring developing countries to fulfill their commitments to the international community and contributing responsibly to global efforts for sustainable development. By focusing on the experiences of the Vietnamese government, international organizations, international development agencies, and think tanks, the Environmental Sustainability in Asia Publication Series aim to project the benefits of experience into future actions and institutional commitments to better understanding effective actions in achieving the SDGs in the developing countries in Asia.          

Vietnam

Vietnamese Eco-Industrial Park (EIP) initiative transforms pollutive industrial zones to protect ground water and reduce emissions.