Amman: Jordan is taking decisive steps toward a structural transformation of its economic model, transitioning from a linear economy characterized by resource extraction, production, and waste disposal toward a circular economy that prioritizes resource efficiency, waste minimization, and the regeneration of materials.
This strategic shift presents a compelling opportunity for the Kingdom to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth, uphold its environmental commitments, enhance the added value of domestic production, and generate new employment opportunities.
According to Jordan News Agency, the "Accelerating Circularity in the Arab region" report, issued by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), defines a circular economy as "an economic system in which materials and products remain in continuous use, alleviating pressure on natural ecosystems and facilitating their regeneration."
The Jordanian Ministry of Environment underscores the circular economy's pivotal role in mitigating environmental degradation, notably by reducing waste through recycling, reuse, and other sustainable practices. Furthermore, this model contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, optimizing resource utilization, and promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns.
In line with this vision, the Ministry has developed the National Green Economy Action Plan (2021-2025), which prioritizes six key sectors: energy, water, waste management, agriculture, tourism, and transportation. Additionally, Jordan has aligned its climate action efforts with circular economy principles through strategic frameworks such as the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
The Ministry has licensed 183 waste management facilities, including private-sector enterprises engaged in recycling activities. These include eight battery recycling plants, twelve facilities for oil recycling, and an equivalent number for tire repurposing. Furthermore, 34 electronic and electrical waste collection centers have been established across the Kingdom, complemented by the licensing of eight specialized e-waste recycling plants.
Jordan's Economic Modernization Vision (EMV), a roadmap for long-term economic transformation, identifies the circular economy as a strategic priority within its Sustainable Environment pillar. The vision seeks to drive economic expansion, generate employment, and ensure the preservation of natural and environmental resources.
The Green Growth Executive Summary, which outlines the EMV's strategic direction, identifies six critical sectors-energy, water, waste management, transportation, tourism, and agriculture-as drivers of the green economy. The report also emphasizes the necessity of developing robust financing strategies to support these efforts.
The Jordan Strategy Forum (JSF), a prominent private-sector think tank, asserts that Jordan can unlock significant economic, social, and environmental benefits by fully integrating circular economy principles beyond conventional waste management and resource efficiency strategies.
According to the JSF, the manufacturing sector, the largest contributor to Jordan's economy, is poised for exponential growth. Forecasts indicate that by 2033, the sector will double in size, creating approximately 260,000 new jobs in chemicals, textiles, food production, pharmaceuticals, and engineering industries.
Official data from the Ministry of Environment indicates that Jordan produces an estimated 2.7 million tons of waste annually, with municipal solid waste accounting for 2.5 million tons, 50% of which is organic matter. Additionally, medical waste generation stands at 2,745 tons per year, while hazardous industrial waste reaches 45,000 tons annually. Plastic waste constitutes approximately 35% of total waste output.
Municipal waste collection services cover 90% of urban areas and 70% of rural regions, with certain categories such as used mineral oils and lead-acid batteries already being recycled. Approximately 2,000 tons of hazardous waste are processed annually at designated treatment centers.
Fathi Jaghbir, President of the Jordan Chamber of Industry, emphasized the growing adoption of circular economy principles across Jordan's industrial landscape. "Sectors such as construction, food production, chemicals, paper, and plastic manufacturing are increasingly integrating sustainable materials and recycled inputs into their production cycles," he stated.
Several Jordanian companies are at the forefront of circular economy innovation. Samer Al-Zumar, CEO of Smart Systems Company, noted that his firm is actively involved in recycling municipal waste, tires, plastics, and agricultural residues. These materials are converted into alternative fuels suitable for industrial applications, household heating, and poultry farming.
Similarly, Alaa Abu Khazna, representative of Jordan's plastics and rubber industry, underscored the sector's reliance on circular economy practices, particularly waste collection, sorting, and recycling into new plastic products.
Jordan's transition toward a circular economy reflects its commitment to sustainability, resource efficiency, and economic resilience. With strong government policies, private sector engagement, and a growing recycling infrastructure, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a regional leader in sustainable economic transformation.