Work

Circular Economy Approaches in Industrial Wastewater Management Across Asia: Policy Frameworks, Water Reuse, and Resource Recovery Opportunities

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The conventional linear “treat-and-discharge” model has been challenged due to rapid urbanisation and the increasing generation of complex industrial wastewater. To this end, circular economy (CE) approaches can be considered as a key strategy for resource efficiency, sustainability, and waste reduction. The current study aims to review CE principles in industrial wastewater management policies across Asian countries. Findings from our review indicate that countries such as Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and China have made significant progress through integrated institutional frameworks, standards of reclaimed water, eco-industrial park initiatives, advanced treatment technologies, and supportive policy mechanisms. However, some developing Asian economies still depend primarily on pollution-control regulations and effluent discharge compliance; have limited guidelines on application-specific water-reuse quality standards, limited financial and tax incentives for SMEs, and inadequate policy support for resource recovery and wastewater valorisation. Strengthening these policy and institutional frameworks can promote circular industrial wastewater management, thus enhancing water security, resource efficiency, and sustainable industrial development across Asia.

Source: Earth

DOI: 10.3390/earth7050145

Authors: Kalaimani Markandan, Theeba Rajasegran, Sharoen Lim Yu Ming, Yong Wei Tiong, Elango Natarajan

Institutions: UCSI University, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Agency for Science, Technology and Research

Language: English

Topic: Wastewater Treatment and Reuse

Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Clean water and sanitation, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,448