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<p>The circular economy is increasingly seen as a pathway to sustainable growth, resource efficiency, and waste reduction. In India, however, its successful adoption must align with local socio-economic structures, cooperative traditions, and ethical development values. This study explores how Gandhian economic principles, Swadeshi (self-sufficiency), Sarvodaya (welfare of all), and Trusteeship (ethical stewardship of resources), can be integrated with contemporary circular economy frameworks to develop a culturally rooted and scalable sustainability model for India. Using a qualitative secondary research approach supported by updated empirical evidence, the study synthesizes policy reports, industry data, and case studies to assess India’s circular economy transition. Recent estimates suggest that India’s circular economy market may expand from approximately USD 149.86&#xa0;billion in 2024 to USD 355–380&#xa0;billion by 2030. Waste processing efficiency has improved significantly, rising from 18% in 2016 to nearly 79% in 2024, reflecting progress in policy interventions and infrastructure development. Despite these gains, structural challenges persist, including incomplete legacy-waste remediation, uneven policy enforcement, financial constraints for small enterprises, and infrastructural limitations. Case-based analysis of cooperative and community-driven initiatives, such as Amul, SEWA, and Barefoot College, demonstrates how Gandhian-inspired models can generate economic value while promoting social inclusion and environmental responsibility. India’s extensive cooperative network, comprising over 8.4 lakh cooperatives serving nearly 29 crore members, further illustrates the scalability of decentralized and trusteeship-oriented economic systems. The study concludes that integrating Gandhian ethics with circular economy strategies offers a distinctive pathway for India’s sustainability transition, combining economic viability with social equity and ecological responsibility while informing policy and business strategy.</p>

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Circular Economy and the Gandhian Model: a Strategic Approach to India’s Sustainability Goals

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月24日

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  • Abhilasha Meena,
  • Payal Mago

摘要

The circular economy is increasingly seen as a pathway to sustainable growth, resource efficiency, and waste reduction. In India, however, its successful adoption must align with local socio-economic structures, cooperative traditions, and ethical development values. This study explores how Gandhian economic principles, Swadeshi (self-sufficiency), Sarvodaya (welfare of all), and Trusteeship (ethical stewardship of resources), can be integrated with contemporary circular economy frameworks to develop a culturally rooted and scalable sustainability model for India. Using a qualitative secondary research approach supported by updated empirical evidence, the study synthesizes policy reports, industry data, and case studies to assess India’s circular economy transition. Recent estimates suggest that India’s circular economy market may expand from approximately USD 149.86 billion in 2024 to USD 355–380 billion by 2030. Waste processing efficiency has improved significantly, rising from 18% in 2016 to nearly 79% in 2024, reflecting progress in policy interventions and infrastructure development. Despite these gains, structural challenges persist, including incomplete legacy-waste remediation, uneven policy enforcement, financial constraints for small enterprises, and infrastructural limitations. Case-based analysis of cooperative and community-driven initiatives, such as Amul, SEWA, and Barefoot College, demonstrates how Gandhian-inspired models can generate economic value while promoting social inclusion and environmental responsibility. India’s extensive cooperative network, comprising over 8.4 lakh cooperatives serving nearly 29 crore members, further illustrates the scalability of decentralized and trusteeship-oriented economic systems. The study concludes that integrating Gandhian ethics with circular economy strategies offers a distinctive pathway for India’s sustainability transition, combining economic viability with social equity and ecological responsibility while informing policy and business strategy.