ISTANBUL (AA) – At the Zero Waste Forum 2026, experts evaluated the connection between zero waste and circular economy. Defining Zero Waste at the Zero Waste Forum 2026, held at Atatürk Airport under the auspices of the Governorship of Istanbul and under the coordination of the Zero Waste Foundation: What Does Zero Waste Really Mean? A panel titled: Speaking at the panel, Circle Economy Chief Executive (CEO) Hilde van Duijn defined zero waste as a strategy and said that zero waste-oriented societies can be transformed with developments thanks to the circular economy.
Pointing out that recycling and waste management issues come to the fore when circular economy and zero waste are mentioned, Duijn said: “If we start with zero waste and there is a circular economy, then we need to use less materials and products. Afterwards, it is about being able to use the products that are in the economy for a long time, that is, reusing, repairing and reusing them. It is important to use renewable materials when making products.
Finally, recycling comes into play in order to reuse them. Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Global Zero Waste Cities Program Leader Cecilia Allen also stated that zero waste is a concept that has existed for 30 years. Allen stated that they aim for each product to return to the economy and nature and to reduce harmful materials. Enzo Favoino, zero waste projects consultant at Monza Park Agricultural School, also stated that there is an important connection between zero waste and circular economy.
Favoino drew attention to the importance of energy efficiency at zero waste. Global South Nexus Founding Partner Atiq Zaman pointed out that in modern societies, many products are sold out of necessity, and said that technology products and cars are the most important of these. On the other hand, panels titled Zero Waste and Climate Struggle: Direct Connection, From Policy to Practice: Regulation and Local Government Guide, From Marrakech to Antalya: The Necessity of Multilateral Leadership for Zero Waste were also held within the scope of the forum.
The forum continues with panels on different topics.
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