Transformative Strategies for Environmental Resilience: Implementing Circular Economy Principles to Address Plastic Pollution and Industrial Emissions in Greater Asaba

Abstract

This study looks at transformational environmental resilience methods that use Circular Economy (CE) concepts to manage rising plastic pollution and industrial emissions in Nigeria's Greater Asaba area. Using a stratified random sample strategy, 418 respondents or 0.1% of the total population were surveyed using a mixed-methods approach that included structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS v27, which included descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and multiple regression analysis, while qualitative insights were coded thematically. The findings show that environmental resilience and CE adoption are significantly positively correlated (r = 0.742, p < 0.01), and that 61% of the variation in pollution reduction can be explained by CE interventions (R2 = 0.61). The results show that eco-design rules, closed-loop manufacturing, and waste valorisation significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste generated and industrial carbon emissions. The respondents cited a lack of public awareness, policy enforcement deficiencies, and infrastructure limitations as the main obstacles to CE inclusion. In order to integrate CE policies into urban environmental governance, the study emphasises the need for multi-stakeholder engagement that connects local communities, businesses, and municipal authorities. The study comes to the conclusion that targeted CE frameworks, supported by technical advancement and regulatory incentives, provide Greater Asaba a feasible option to reduce pollutant loads measurably while promoting socioeconomic co-benefits. This study provides a reproducible paradigm for other quickly urbanising African cities and adds factual support to the expanding conversation on CE as a tool for sustainable urban change.