Creating green jobs through circular economy initiatives is becoming increasingly vital on a global scale, including the Philippines. As countries strive to address climate change and resource depletion, the circular economy offers a transformative approach that not only minimizes waste but also fosters economic growth and job creation.
Circular economy and job creation: A global perspective
The circular economy is defined by its commitment to reducing waste and prompting the continual use of resources. The United Nations defines it as sustainable economic model that keeps products and materials in use for as long as possible; an alternative to the “take-make-waste” linear model. According to a report by Anim8 Collective, the global circular economy market could reach $7.9 trillion by 2050, presenting a significant growth opportunity of $5.6 trillion from 2030 to 2050. This shift is driven by innovative practices such as recycling, remanufacturing, and product-as-a-service models, which are increasingly adopted by businesses worldwide.
This 2025, several key events will highlight the importance of circular economy initiatives. The World Circular Economy Forum will take place in São Paulo, Brazil, focusing on sustainable growth and the regenerative economy. Such gatherings are crucial for fostering collaboration among stakeholders, sharing best practices, and driving innovations that can create green jobs across various sectors.
The role of regulations in promoting circularity
Regulatory frameworks play a pivotal role in advancing circular economy initiatives. In Europe, the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is set to establish standards for product life cycles, emphasizing sustainability from design to disposal. This regulation aims to enhance product transparency through tools like the Digital Product Passport (DPP), which will facilitate repair and resale services while empowering consumers to make informed choices.
Japan has its Act on Promoting Green Purchasing. This legislation, enacted in 2001, aims to promote environmentally friendly products through green public procurement (GPP). It requires government agencies and public institutions to prioritize eco-friendly goods and services. The Act encourages compliance with environmental standards and fosters market demand for sustainable products, similar to the goals of the ESPR.
The Eco Mark Program, launched in 1989, complements this Act by providing a certification system for products that meet certain environmental criteria. This program encourages consumers and businesses to choose certified products, thereby supporting sustainable practices in manufacturing and consumption.
Skills development = Job Creation
The circular economy presents significant opportunities for job creation across various sectors, including manufacturing, waste management, and renewable energy. According to a report by Circle Economy, an estimated 78 million new jobs could be created globally by 2030 due to the shift towards circular practices, while 71 million jobs may be displaced as industries adapt. This transition necessitates comprehensive skills development strategies that address existing gaps in the workforce.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) emphasizes that aligning labor market policies with the supply and demand for essential skills is crucial for maximizing the potential of circular economy job growth. However, many companies report difficulties in finding skilled workers for key activities like repair and reuse, indicating a significant skills mismatch that must be addressed.
To address this, a number of skills development initiatives globally are now underway.
• Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) – TVET plays a pivotal role in preparing the workforce for circular jobs by providing practical training and upskilling opportunities. UNESCO-UNEVOC emphasizes that TVET must evolve to meet the demand for higher technical skills and support lifelong learning through continuous education programs.
• Curriculum development – educational institutions are now increasingly incorporating circular economy principles into their curricula. For instance, universities are developing programs focused on sustainable design, life-cycle assessment, and resource management to prepare students for careers in emerging sectors. The European Union has initiated projects aimed at creating standardized curricula that emphasize green skills across member states, fostering collaboration among educational institutions to share best practices.
• Public-Private Partnerships – Collaborations between governments and businesses are essential for effective skills development. Programs that involve industry stakeholders can provide insights into current and future skill needs, ensuring that training aligns with market demands.
In ASEAN, the ASEAN Circular Economy Framework encourages member states to adopt policies that support sustainable practices across various sectors. This includes promoting education and training programs that focus on circular economy principles. Countries like Singapore have launched national strategies (such as the Singapore Skills Framework) aimed at enhancing green skills among workers, focusing on areas such as waste management and sustainable urban development.
Investment in informal sectors is another avenue for skills development, given the prevalence of micro-enterprises and informal workers in many ASEAN countries, targeted investment in skills development is crucial. Programs aimed at upskilling informal workers can enhance their contributions to circular activities such as recycling and waste reduction as being done by Evergreen Labs and ReForm Plastic.
Green Economy Programme in the Philippines
In March 2024, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of the Philippines, in collaboration with the European Union (EU), and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) as implementer, launched the Green Economy Programme (GEPP). This initiative aims to enhance waste management and support the country’s transition to a circular economy with a budget of approximately PHP3.67 billion (€60 million) over five years.
Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga emphasized that this program is part of a broader commitment to combat climate change while promoting inclusive economic development. “By prioritizing sustainable practices and being mindful of the utilization of natural resources throughout their life cycles, we can co-generate prosperity and resilience that benefits both present and future generations,” she stated.
The GEPP aims to recycle around 20,000 tons of plastic waste by 2028 and implement separate collection systems in at least 30 local government units (LGUs) for effective recycling. These efforts will not only reduce environmental impact but also generate employment opportunities in waste collection, sorting, processing, and recycling operations.
Moreover, the program promotes sustainable practices among micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which are crucial for job creation in the Philippines. By encouraging these businesses to adopt circular supply chain management, the GEPP aims to foster innovation and sustainability within the local economy.
The transition to a circular economy presents significant opportunities for global job creation while addressing environmental challenges. By minimizing waste and enhancing resource efficiency, countries can unlock economic potential and promote social equity. Regulatory frameworks, like Japan’s Green Purchasing Act and Singapore’s green skills strategies, are essential in this transition. Comprehensive skills development programs tailored to emerging job opportunities will maximize job creation. Ultimately, collaboration among governments, businesses, educational institutions, and communities is vital to fully realize the benefits of a circular economy, ensuring a sustainable future with abundant job opportunities.
