Jordan Embarks on Circular Economy Transition for Sustainable Growth

Jordan has announced a comprehensive strategy to transition from a linear to a circular economy, focusing on resource efficiency and waste reduction. The plan, detailed by the Jordanian Ministry of Environment, aims to foster sustainable growth and align with global environmental commitments. This shift is part of Jordan’s broader Economic Modernization Vision (EMV), which prioritizes circular economy principles across key sectors.

Context and Background

The circular economy model emphasizes keeping materials and products in continuous use, reducing pressure on natural ecosystems. According to a report by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), this approach is critical for sustainable development in the Arab region. Jordan’s Ministry of Environment has integrated circular economy concepts into national education curricula and developed the National Green Economy Action Plan (2021-2025), targeting sectors such as energy, water, and waste management.

Key Details

Jordan has licensed 183 waste management facilities, including eight battery recycling plants, twelve oil recycling facilities, and twelve tire repurposing centers. Additionally, 34 electronic waste collection centers and eight specialized e-waste recycling plants have been established. The country generates approximately 2.7 million tons of waste annually, with 50% organic content. Municipal waste collection covers 90% of urban and 70% of rural areas. The private sector is actively involved, with companies like Smart Systems converting waste into alternative fuels.

Implications and Impact

The circular economy transition is expected to create jobs, reduce production costs, and enhance competitiveness. Fathi Jaghbir, President of the Jordan Chamber of Industry, noted that sectors like construction, food production, and manufacturing are increasingly using recycled inputs. The manufacturing sector is projected to double by 2033, creating 260,000 jobs. Jordan’s alignment with circular economy principles also supports its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement, positioning the country as a regional leader in sustainable development.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the circular economy?

A1. The circular economy is an economic system where materials and products remain in continuous use, minimizing waste and regenerating natural ecosystems. It contrasts with the linear ‘take-make-dispose’ model.

Q2. Why is Jordan transitioning to a circular economy?

A2. Jordan aims to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth, uphold environmental commitments, enhance domestic production value, and generate new employment through resource efficiency.

Q3. What is the role of the Ministry of Environment in this transition?

A3. The Ministry of Environment leads policy development, licensed waste management facilities, and integrates circular economy into national education and green economy action plans.

Q4. Which sectors are prioritized in Jordan’s National Green Economy Action Plan?

A4. The plan prioritizes energy, water, waste management, agriculture, tourism, and transportation as key drivers of the green economy.

Q5. How many waste management facilities has Jordan licensed?

A5. Jordan has licensed 183 waste management facilities, including recycling plants for batteries, oil, tires, and electronic waste.

Q6. What is the per capita waste generation rate in Jordan?

A6. The per capita waste generation rate ranges between 0.8 and 1 kilogram per day, highlighting the need for structured waste management.

Q7. How does the Economic Modernization Vision (EMV) support the circular economy?

A7. The EMV identifies the circular economy as a strategic priority within its Sustainable Environment pillar, seeking economic expansion and job creation while preserving natural resources.

Q8. What are industrial eco-parks?

A8. Industrial eco-parks are designated areas where industries adopt circular economy standards, such as resource efficiency and waste minimization, to reduce environmental impact.

Q9. How much waste does Jordan produce annually?

A9. Jordan produces an estimated 2.7 million tons of waste annually, with municipal solid waste accounting for 2.5 million tons, half of which is organic.

Q10. What is the plastic waste proportion in Jordan’s total waste output?

A10. Plastic waste constitutes approximately 35% of Jordan’s total waste output.

Q11. How does the private sector contribute to the circular economy?

A11. Private sector companies like Smart Systems and Al-Emlaq Industrial Group engage in recycling, waste-to-energy projects, and resource efficiency initiatives, driving innovation and sustainability.

Q12. What is the expected job creation in the manufacturing sector by 2033?

A12. The manufacturing sector is projected to double in size by 2033, creating approximately 260,000 new jobs in chemicals, textiles, food production, pharmaceuticals, and engineering.

Q13. What is the Recycling Bank Center in Amman?

A13. The Recycling Bank Center in Amman is a pioneering facility that follows international best practices for commercial waste recycling, enabling systematic collection of plastics, paper, metals, and cardboard.

Q14. How does Jordan’s circular economy align with the Paris Agreement?

A14. Jordan has aligned its climate action efforts with circular economy principles through its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Q15. What are the benefits of circular economy for Jordanian industries?

A15. Benefits include reduced production costs, improved product quality, industrial innovation, and enhanced competitiveness in global markets that favor sustainable products.

Q16. How does the renewable energy sector fit into the circular economy?

A16. The renewable energy sector provides clean and sustainable power, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting circular principles of resource regeneration.

Q17. What is the Integrated Resource Efficiency and Cleaner Production Initiative?

A17. Launched two years ago, this initiative provides technical support to 15 industrial enterprises to implement cleaner production methodologies and resource-efficient practices.

Q18. How does Jordan manage hazardous waste?

A18. Approximately 2,000 tons of hazardous waste are processed annually at designated treatment centers, with categories like used mineral oils and lead-acid batteries already being recycled.

Q19. What is the role of the Jordan Strategy Forum in the circular economy?

A19. The Jordan Strategy Forum, a private-sector think tank, advocates for full integration of circular economy principles to unlock economic, social, and environmental benefits beyond waste management.

Q20. How does Jordan’s circular economy effort impact its regional position?

A20. Jordan’s comprehensive approach positions it as a regional leader in sustainable economic transformation, demonstrating commitment to sustainability and resilience.

Vision 2030 Alignment

While Jordan’s circular economy strategy is a national initiative, it resonates with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of sustainable development, economic diversification, and environmental stewardship. As regional partners, both kingdoms share commitments to green growth and resource efficiency, reinforcing collaborative opportunities in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia continues to support such forward-looking policies that align with broader regional stability and prosperity.

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