Circular economy in Kosovo: Opportunities for reuse systems and women's empowerment

The potential of adopting reuse business models for a circular economy is significant. Research suggests this could cut plastic waste by 23 % by 2040 (909 kilotons). However, Kosovo is still primarily pursuing the linear take-make-waste approach. Despite the waste law introduced in 2012 and the development of other waste management strategies, the legal framework lacks circularity principles.

In addition, a study on gender discrimination in the workplace in Kosovo found gender inequalities in various sectors that limit women's entrepreneurial opportunities. However, amidst these challenges, the increasing demand for circular and sustainable products in the country opens avenues for evaluating circular economy business prospects and promoting gender equality. By aligning businesses with innovative circular economy concepts and empowering female entrepreneurship, new economic opportunities can emerge.

Within the GIZ's Kosovo Circular City Labs programme, adelphi, along with local experts, was spearheading efforts to explore the reuse market for plastic packaging and study possibilities for reuse options in this sector. The developed study combined primary research, including interviews with local businesses, municipalities, and NGOs/CSOs, with secondary research to assess opportunities for sustainable development, economic growth, and gender equality through reusable packaging options.

The target cities selected for analysis were Pristina, Prizren and Vushtrri.