A 17-hour flight from Bangkok to Munich, an undeniable carbon footprint. Yet, the opportunity to deepen my understanding of circular economy in Germany as a CrossCulture Programme Fellow, hosted by CIRCULAZE in Munich, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I couldn’t pass up.
Carbon reduction dominates global conversations, but I firmly believe that embracing the circular economy is key to systemic change. By redesigning economic activities, emissions can be reduced as a natural outcome. My curiosity about Germany’s implementation of circularity brought me here, eager to witness how seriously it’s being pursued. Let’s break this down into three levels: national, business, and individual.
Europe: A Model and a Challenge
Europe often serves as both an inspiration and a pressure point for the Global South. The EU Green Deal has significantly impacted global supply chains, particularly through mechanisms like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which leads the charge in carbon pricing for exporters. However, circular economy regulations still lack the same urgency.
In business conversations, I realized that everyone is facing challenges because the supply chain across Europe and Asia is deeply interconnected. The word “emotional” best describes the sentiment I encountered. Many companies recognize the value of sustainability but find it difficult to implement it due to gaps in knowledge and practices that haven’t yet spread through the supply chain. With time running out, emotions are running high, frustration, uncertainty, and urgency are widely felt as businesses struggle to meet their goals.
Surprisingly, many Europeans believe Asian countries will adopt sustainability measures more quickly because they have fewer and less complicated procedures than the European Union.
The CIRCULAZE Award Night and Summit was the highlight of my fellowship. On November 5th, while the world focused on the U.S. election, 400 people with similar goals came together to support circularity. Despite global challenges, the shared understanding and teamwork in the room were truly inspiring, a reminder of what can be achieved when people work together.
Learning from Germany’s Industry and Innovation
While regulations may be advancing slowly, Germany’s innovations in circular economy are extraordinary.
One of my tasks for the CIRCULAZE Summit involved compiling a list of over 100 startups across eight industries. Meeting these entrepreneurs in person and hearing their live pitches was mind-blowing. Their entrepreneurial spirit thrives, thanks to an ecosystem supported by robust research centers, networking spaces, active investors, and engaged customers.
While I admire these solutions, I can see a significant gap between the Global North and Global South. Germany’s heavy industrial economy contrasts sharply with Thailand’s tourism- and agriculture-driven economy, resulting in very different life cycle analyses and approaches to circularity.
At IFAT, the world’s largest waste management trade fair, and Electronica, a leading electronics trade fair at Messe München, the emphasis on product durability and repairability was clear, but mostly for long-lasting products like machinery or furniture. In Thailand, the focus lies on fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and food products, which require end-of-life solutions to manage waste.
Recycling remains a hot topic. Germany is a global leader in recycling, with advanced machinery, but poor waste management and logistics systems in developing countries hinder effective recycling. In these regions, recycling often devolves into greenwashing rather than offering true solutions.
The opportunity I see lies in alternative materials. In the building and packaging sectors, the trend is not to recycle waste but to replace it with more sustainable materials from natural resources like biochar and plant fibers. Agricultural-based countries should embrace their wealth of natural resources and collaborate with industrialized nations to supply these innovations globally.
Everyday Circularity in Munich
Living in Munich was like attending an open school of circularity. From reusable food containers in restaurants and a deposit bottle system at supermarkets to bustling flea markets, repair cafés, and volunteer networks like Circular Munich, I immersed myself in a less-waste lifestyle. However, the ever-present plastic packaging at supermarkets reminded me that no society is perfect.
In the Global North, the phrase “less is more” resonates, encouraging people to consume less and appreciate the beauty of used products. In the Global South, however, where people are just beginning to accumulate wealth and assets, this concept can feel counterintuitive. As my Indian CCP fellow once said, “Less is less, and more is more!”. For generations, reusing and repairing have been a way of life in rural areas, and the concept of a circular economy can be found in every household. However, consumerism has rapidly changed our lifestyle and added more waste to society.
In terms of food, however, I believe developing countries fare better. I was shocked by the enormous portion sizes in German restaurants and strict food safety rules that lead to significant food waste. The flexibility and creativity of Thai food culture allow us to maximize the use of food until its very last bit.
Building a circular lifestyle goes beyond logic, it’s influenced by cultural beliefs. I wish I had more time to experience German culture, especially Bavaria’s unique traditions.
A Farewell and New Beginnings
After sipping fruit punch at a Christmas market, it was time to say goodbye and return to Thailand. Familiar challenges awaited me in Bangkok: inflation and political turmoil. Yet, nothing felt the same. I returned with a deeper understanding of circularity, a stronger network of colleagues and LinkedIn connections, and a renewed curiosity to adapt circular principles to local contexts.
No place is perfect, but I’ve found my community – a space to live, learn, and push forward a circular way of life.
My 5 Key Takeaways
- The circular economy is key to reducing emissions by redesigning systems, but regulatory gaps remain.
- Businesses face supply chain and knowledge barriers, creating global struggles in sustainability.
- Germany’s innovations highlight opportunities but differ from the needs of developing nations.
- Well-designed facilities and a supportive environment like Munich foster the growth of a circular lifestyle.
- Adapting circular principles to local contexts, considering cultural and economic differences, is key to meaningful change.