A delegation from the Philippines recently embarked on a week-long study visit to the Nordic countries of Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway, and answer the title question.
The delegation included representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the City Government of Pasig.
Their mission: to learn from some of the world’s most innovative circular economy practices and explore ways to adopt these methods back home.
What lessons did a delegation from the Philippines learn during their study visit that they can adopt back home?
How do these nations integrate sustainability, community engagement, and policy reform into their circular economy models?
Can environmental responsibility and economic growth go hand in hand, as demonstrated by these global leaders in circularity?
Denmark manages waste in smarter way
One of the most remarkable examples of circular economy practices that the Philippine delegation witnessed in Denmark was the Amager Bakke, or Copenhill, a waste-to-energy facility that also functions as a recreational area, complete with a skiing slope.
Located in Copenhagen, this multi-functional plant exemplifies the idea of turning waste into valuable resources, with the added benefit of providing citizens with a sustainable, green space.
The city’s innovative waste management systems and infrastructure were on full display, and the delegation was particularly impressed by Denmark’s efficiency in combining environmental sustainability with social utility.
Another standout was the reverse vending machine technology developed by Norwegian company Tomra. These machines allow consumers to return beverage bottles and cans in exchange for a deposit refund, further promoting recycling and waste reduction in urban centers.
This simple yet effective solution was highlighted as an important strategy that could easily be implemented in the Philippines to encourage consumer participation in the circular economy.
Swede tech leads in water and waste management
Sweden, similarly, showcased its commitment to sustainability with groundbreaking solutions in water management and waste treatment.
The delegation visited the Sjöstadsverket Water Innovation Centre in Stockholm, a globally recognized research and development facility dedicated to advancing wastewater treatment technologies.
Here, delegates were introduced to cutting-edge research that enhances water recycling processes and reduces environmental impact, a critical challenge for urbanizing nations like the Philippines.
Furthermore, Sweden’s commitment to extended producers’ responsibility (EPR) and deposit return systems were evident in the smooth operation of such policies in urban centers like Stockholm.
These systems ensure that producers are responsible for the life cycle of their products, encouraging eco-friendly production and recycling initiatives from the very start.
Nordic countries approach circularity through collabs
While the technologies in place were impressive, what truly stood out to the Filipino delegation was the level of cross-sectoral collaboration that drives innovation and policy in the Nordic countries.
It was clear that both government and private sectors work closely together to create a unified vision for sustainability.
In Denmark and Sweden, non-profit organizations supported by public-private partnerships play a crucial role in advancing research, market testing, data collection, and evaluation.
This collaborative ecosystem fuels not only the adoption of advanced technologies but also fosters social behavioral changes necessary to support a circular economy.
The delegation also observed the importance of civic engagement in making these technologies successful.
In both Copenhagen and Stockholm, public education on sustainability practices is prioritized.
For instance, residents are educated on the importance of waste sorting and how their contributions help drive the circular economy.
This ongoing dialogue ensures that community involvement remains strong and that sustainability is seen as a shared responsibility.
Pasig City draws inspiration from study visit
For Pasig City, one of the main goals of the study visit was to explore how these Nordic innovations could be adapted to a local level.
The delegation was particularly impressed with how civic education, continuous communication, and social preparation are equally important as the technologies themselves.
This lesson is vital for Pasig, where creating awareness and understanding around circular economy practices will be key to their successful implementation.
“Nothing is truly unaffordable if industries, civil society, and the academe have a unified vision of the common good, and are willing to invest in it,” said the representatives from Pasig City.
Their experience in Denmark and Sweden reinforced the idea that when public and private sectors work together, they can create impactful, long-term solutions for the environment and society.
The integration of advanced waste management systems, water recycling technologies, and a strong focus on collaboration could help pave the way for a more sustainable and circular future in the Philippines—one that balances environmental responsibility with economic growth.
