India’s transition to a circular economy holds immense potential for creating circular jobs and driving sustainable economic growth. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, up to 50 million jobs can be generated with a projected economic impact of $15 trillion.
ILO(International labour estimates) also estimates that the shift towards green and sustainable practices could result in 24 million jobs by 2030, with 18 million directly related to renewable energy, energy efficiency, waste management, and other resource-efficient fields. Also, 1.2 billion jobs may require upskilling to transition to a circular economy.
India’s embrace of the circular economy is poised to play a major role in shaping its future as a hub of sustainable job creation and economic prosperity.
How the circular economy in India is a game-changer for creating circular jobs?
Imagine a future where every broken product can be fixed, every waste material can be recycled, and every resource can be repurposed. The circular economy is making this future a reality, creating circular jobs and fostering sustainable growth in India.
- The circular economy in India can create new job opportunities in areas such as recycling, refurbishment, and product design.
- As more companies adopt circular practices, there will be greater demand for workers with the skills to repair and maintain products and those who can design products that are easy to recycle or repurpose.
- The circular economy also encourages local production, promoting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, which in turn creates circular jobs.
- India can reduce its reliance on importing raw materials, creating opportunities for local production and job growth.
- This transition can stimulate innovation, developing new products and services and creating circular jobs.
What are the circular jobs that can be created through the circular economy in India?
Here are a few job posts that may not exist in the current job market but may be created as the circular economy expands.
- Recycling and circular jobs:
Material sorters: Responsible for sorting and categorizing different waste materials for further processing.
Material processors: Operate machinery and equipment to break down and prepare materials for recycling or repurposing.
Repurposing specialists: Design and develop new products and applications for repurposed materials.
- Refurbishment and repair jobs:
Repair technicians: Skilled in repairing and maintaining a wide range of products, from electronics to appliances.
Refurbishment specialists: Responsible for restoring and upgrading used products to a like-new condition.
Craftsmen: Skilled in traditional forms of repair and maintenance, such as woodworking and metalworking.
- Product design jobs:
Circular product designers: Specialize in designing products that are easy to recycle, repurpose, and have a longer life.
Sustainable materials experts: Research and develop new, sustainable materials for product design.
- Local production jobs:
Local manufacturers: Produce goods using locally sourced materials and labour, reducing the need for imports.
Supply chain managers: Coordinate the flow of materials and resources between different actors in the local production system.
- Research and development jobs:
Circular economy researchers: Study and analyze the circular economy’s economic, environmental, and social impacts.
Circular technology developers: Develop new technologies and techniques to support the circular economy, such as closed-loop manufacturing processes.
- Service and maintenance jobs:
Product service technicians: Provide maintenance and repair services for products to keep them in working order.
Product life extension experts: Develop strategies and techniques to extend the useful life of products, reducing the need for replacement.
- Logistics and transportation jobs:
Circular logistics coordinators: Develop and manage logistics systems that support the circular economy, such as closed-loop supply chains.
Local delivery drivers: Transport goods and materials within a local area, reducing the need for long-distance transportation.
- Education and training jobs:
Circular economy trainers: Develop and deliver training programs to educate workers on the principles and practices of the circular economy.
Circular economy educators: Develop educational materials and resources for students and the general public to learn about the circular economy.
How does the circular economy promote economic growth?
- A circular economy reduces the need to extract and process new raw materials, saving on the cost of inputs and conserving natural resources.
- Increased resource use efficiency lowers production costs, boosts competitiveness, and increases productivity.
- A circular economy leads to a more diversified and resilient economy, less susceptible to fluctuations in commodity prices.
- The circular economy can lower costs for businesses and consumers by reducing environmental impacts and improving public health.
Final thoughts
A circular economy in India can drive innovation and competitiveness by promoting resource conservation through reduction, reuse, and recycling. This can lead to the development of new products, services, and technologies that are more efficient and sustainable, creating circular jobs, new business opportunities and differentiating companies from competitors.
Want to explore circular jobs in India? Check out the openings on our careers page.
