Transforming Waste to Resource: A Paradigm Shift to Circular Economy

by

Michael Angelo B. Promentilla1,2

1
Department of Chemical Engineering, De La Salle University, Manila, PHILIPPINES
2
Center for Engineering and Sustainable Development Research, De La Salle University,
Manila, PHILIPPINES
E-mail: michael.promentilla@dlsu.edu.ph

ABSTRACT: Circular economy in its broadest sense is a paradigm to change the resource
consumption and production pattern in the economy while achieving sustainable development
through slowing, narrowing or closing material loops. In contrast to linear economic models that
follow the extract-make-use-dispose pattern, circular economic models provide an opportunity to
transform waste to resource, and use these as valuable inputs to create desired products rather than
extract further new raw materials. Some of the key principles of circular economy can be drawn
from earlier ideologies such as that of “spaceman” economy which proposes a cyclical system that
encourage the reproduction of materials; of “industrial ecology” that mimics natural ecosystem
and promotes the recycled loop of materials in an industrial ecosystem; of the “cradle-to-cradle”
concept which promote recycling with the emphasis on eco-efficiency. Thus, reimagining the
principles of waste management within the context of circular economy requires systems approach
and also innovations in the product design, production, use and reuse, recycling, reprocessing and
disposal. Accordingly, this talk presents some of our enabling research programs at the De La Salle
University’s Waste and Resource Management (WARM) unit of the Center for Engineering and
Sustainable Development Research (CESDR) that aims to close the loop by transforming waste as
potential resource. For example, upcycling of coal fly ash and mine waste through geopolymer
technology is being explored by reusing and reprocessing such waste to produce structural
materials for built environment. Use of such waste generated from the energy and mining sector
as raw materials mitigates not only the waste’s environmental footprint but also contributes
towards a circular economy in producing eco-friendly materials. In addition, we are also
conducting studies that will enable a circular nutrient economy. This includes the recovery of
nutrients from the water and sanitation sector, and produce the next-generation fertilizer for
agriculture. In principle, such circular economic models are cost-recovering while being resource
and energy efficient. However, there will be of course some barriers in transitioning from linear to
circular models. Chemical engineers therefore should play an important role in addressing these
challenges and supporting our nation’s economic growth while protecting the health of our
communities and reducing environmental impacts; i.e., by developing systemic solutions and
harnessing the value of materials we now dispose of and return them to productive use. After all,
nature knows no waste.

Keywords: Circular economy, waste management, resource, geopolymer, nutrients