Circular economy: features and prospects of implementation in Ukraine in the conditions of war

Abstract

The circular economy is a prerequisite for the new industrial revolution, because it contributes to achieving maximum economic efficiency in industry and reducing the negative impact on the environment. Its implementation involves a set of measures aimed at the sustainable development of enterprises, the country and society. Introducing the concept of circular economy is an important and necessary step for the development of our country, its integration into the European Union and post-war recovery. The purpose of the study is to identify problems on the path of reorientation of Ukrainian enterprises to the principles of circularity and sustainable development and to develop methods for their rapid adaptation, in particular, taking into account the consequences of European integration and full-scale war. The goals of the research: analysis of the current state of waste management in Ukraine, clarification of the essence and key principles of circularity and sustainable development, identification of the main strategies for the implementation of the circular economy, analysis of the peculiarities of the implementation of circular business models in Ukraine, taking into account the experience of the EU, development of recommendations for rapid adaptation circular business models in conditions of war. The peculiarities of waste management in Ukraine, in particular in the conditions of war, the readiness of companies and resource provision for the introduction of new circular business models are analyzed. The advantages and weaknesses of the implementation of circular principles, the opportunities that open up to enterprises, the positive impact on the economic, social, technological spheres, etc. are characterized. Before the full-scale invasion into Ukraine, most of the factors of the external environment were generally favorable for the implementation of circular economy business models by Ukrainian enterprises: accelerated accession to the EU, commitment to Ukrainian business in the world market, attraction of foreign investments, development of innovative technologies in Ukraine, gradual change in the culture of consumption , increasing consumer trust in "green" brands, increasing the level of social responsibility of enterprises. The amount of waste in Ukraine as a result of military operations as of June 2023 was 12 million tons (excluding temporarily occupied territories): destruction of administrative buildings, private houses, agricultural lands, etc. At the same time, it was stated that the pre-war methods of waste management, which were already ineffective, cannot be used in principle today. Therefore, now more than ever, it is important to promptly and effectively eliminate its consequences, which, on the other hand, is also a potential for the development of the circular economy and the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine.