Sociomaterial networks for a systemic circular economy transition In an intermediate Global South city

Abstract

The transition to a Circular Economy (CE) requires systemic change. The narrow focus of technocratic assessments of the CE inhibits the transformation of the economic system that the CE demands. Understanding Global South perspectives and context in the transition to avoid widening regional inequality is imperative, particularly in intermediate cities that hold most promise in the scale of implementation. This analysis uses sociomaterial theory to investigate the entanglement of the social and the material with a systemic narrative. We use a qualitative assessment of the local informal recycling sector and other invisible and nascent circular economy stakeholders to assess the current network in an intermediate city in Ecuador as a case study. The sociomaterial network in transformation has strengths that need to be reinforced but also significant gaps in how materials and relationships in informal sectors are considered and valued. From a practical perspective, there are several role gaps, such as reducing regulatory barriers to operate in a CE and implementing extended producer responsibility. Materials that must enter the economy in the form of products must last longer, be recyclable but also have realistic market and structural conditions to be recycled. Caring relationships and organizational strengthening must be fostered, as they constitute the main social support for the most vulnerable in informal sectors that sustain the CE. Finally, a value-based education must be addressed holistically, alongside a ubiquitous paradigm shift towards global circular value chains for a just transition