Developing a Comprehensive Framework for Integrating Circular Economy Principles into Nigeria’s Polymer and Textile Manufacturing Sector: Policy, Technology, and Industrial Ecology Perspectives

The transition from linear to circular economy models in Nigeria's polymer and textile manufacturing sector requires a comprehensive multi-dimensional framework integrating policy design, technology assessment, and industrial ecology analysis. This research develops and validates a circular economy integration framework specifically designed for the Nigerian polymer and textile manufacturing context, addressing the unique challenges of informal economy interactions, infrastructure limitations, and regulatory capacity constraints. The framework is developed through systematic analysis of material flow accounting data for the Nigerian polymer and textile sector using process-based material flow analysis for a five-year baseline period. Technology assessment evaluates 18 circular economy enabler technologies, including advanced chemical recycling, fibre-to-fibre recycling, industrial symbiosis platforms, and renewable polymer sourcing, using a multi-criteria assessment incorporating technical readiness, economic viability, and scalability in the Nigerian context. Policy instrument evaluation draws on comparative analysis of circular economy policy frameworks from comparable emerging economies including South Africa, Bangladesh, and Vietnam. Industrial ecology mapping identifies symbiosis opportunities between polymer manufacturing waste streams and other industrial sectors across all six geopolitical zones. System dynamics modelling simulates circular economy transition trajectories under alternative policy and technology adoption scenarios over a 15-year projection horizon. Results from material flow analysis reveal that only 12 percent of polymer material entering the Nigerian economy is currently recovered and recycled, with 68 percent ending as unmanaged waste. Technology assessment identifies mechanical recycling enhancement, industrial symbiosis for chemical waste streams, and textile fibre reclamation as the three highest-priority interventions by combined criterion scores. System dynamics simulation projects that comprehensive policy implementation with targeted technology investment could increase polymer material circularity to 38 percent within 15 years. The research provides Nigeria's federal and state governments with a evidence-based circular economy roadmap for the polymer and textile sector. Keywords: circular economy, polymer manufacturing, textile sector, material flow analysis, industrial ecology