Latin America is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world but exceptionally high urbanisation rates and a commodity-based economy leave it particularly vulnerable to system shocks.
The region can find significant benefits in the transition to a circular economycircular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature. that offers opportunities to create regenerative value from its abundant natural resources and boost innovation.
Regional momentum is already building around a circular economy approach, as leading businesses and governments are turning to it as a means to secure long-term prosperity while also tackling the root cause of global challenges such as plastic pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss.
For Latin America, the circular economy offers a positive way forward with opportunities to create regenerative, inclusive and distributed value from its incomparable biodiversity and build thriving local economies.
Our work in the region
Since establishing our Latin American office in 2015, we’ve seen significant momentum building around the circular economy, with leading organisations starting to move from idea to action.
As business innovation continues to grow, institutions, governments and cities are also taking a leading role in moving towards a circular economy. We are working with leading cities, including São Paulo, and countries such as Chile - the first in the Americas to join our Plastics Pacts network - to help accelerate this shift. As a strategic partner of the Circular Economy Coalition for Latin America and the Caribbean, we are collaborating with the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and other international institutions and national governments to create a common vision and concerted efforts towards a circular economy transition in Latin America.
Building and scaling a circular economy in the region will require action from all stakeholders. Register your organisation to be part of our open community, to share insights, join events, and learn from other circular economy practitioners from across the globe.
Content in Spanish and Portuguese
Latin American circular economy examples
The Balbo Group
São Paulo
Regenerating an ecosystem to grow organic sugar
The Balbo Group grows organic sugar. They use modified machinery and restore natural processes to reduce sugar-cane farming’s impact on the environment and revive ailing crops and land.
"We don’t worry too much about the crop itself - we take care of the whole ecosystem."
