Ellen MacArthur Foundation to expand its operations in China

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has been officially registered as an international non-governmental organization (NGO) in China, allowing it to expand its activities in the country and more effectively expedite the worldwide transition to a circular economy, according to the organization.

The accreditation, which was issued by Beijing Public Security Bureau, acknowledges the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s work in China and allows it to better interact with local stakeholders in the world’s second-largest economy.

The registration, according to the Foundation, would allow it to work toward its purpose of accelerating the worldwide transition to a circular economy with the Ministry of Ecology and Environment’s direction and assistance.

Jocelyn Blériot, executive lead, institutions, governments and cities at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, said that the circular economy concept is increasingly prominent on politicians’ agendas, and businesses are adopting it at an increasing rate. The significance of China in this debate cannot be overstated: the circular economy was made a legal requirement in 2008, and it is a cornerstone of the Ecological Society’s concept. If they want to attain size, the international partnership is required, and the Foundation is pleased to have its Beijing Office formally registered. This significant milestone will enable them to engage even more closely with their Chinese partners and contribute to a better discourse on the world stage.

Yisong Guan, the chief representative of the Foundation in China, said that they’re happy to have been granted the certificate. It’s a fantastic honor for their work in China and around the world. They’ve been promoting upstream innovation and the power of circular design, which are being increasingly adopted by their stakeholders and reflected in relevant publications and policies. The three principles of the circular economy are to eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials, and regenerate nature.

Guan added that with China’s announcement of its carbon neutrality aim, the circular economy will rise even higher on the political agenda. Taking advantage of this momentum, the Foundation will continue to collaborate with international and Chinese partners to help China transition to a circular economy.

In 2017, the Foundation began collaborating with Chinese partners, recognizing the country’s growing momentum toward a circular economy, which is being aided by policy and industry initiatives.

The Foundation claims that it has benefited from the assistance of local stakeholders over the years, including governmental organizations and think tanks, as well as industry groups, major universities, research institutes, and enterprises.

The Foundation has contributed expertise and insights, as well as exchange opportunities, to the broader community that is driving the development and implementation of the circular economy in China, through working closely with local partners.

The Foundation’s work in China is based on three key pillars: Communicating the big idea of the circular economy as an innovation strategy and delivery mechanism for low carbon development; Focusing on upstream measures, informing legislators, and guiding enterprises are some of the essential actors to engage; and Activating the value chains of plastics, fashion, and food, as well as promoting circular demonstration projects

The Foundation looks forward to continuing to support China’s journey towards its goal of an Ecological Civilisation, and reaching its carbon neutrality and biodiversity targets through circular economy solutions, now that it has received legal approval.