“Radical catch up” is a provocative and ambitious concept that seeks to force a rapid transformation in industries by holding companies accountable for decades of inaction.

1. Merits and Vision:
   The concept shines by challenging the status quo—it argues that we shouldn’t accept slow, piecemeal progress when decades of missed opportunities could be bridged in a short, decisive period. By setting binding targets and market restrictions, it compels industries to invest heavily in modern recycling and sustainable manufacturing processes. The vision is to create a self-sustaining, closed-loop system where waste is effectively eliminated, which is both environmentally and economically appealing in the long term.
2. Innovation Driver:
   If implemented, radical catch up could serve as a major catalyst for innovation. Companies would have to rethink their entire production processes, potentially leading to breakthroughs in materials science, recycling technology, and manufacturing. This could not only reduce environmental impact but also create new job opportunities in domestic recycling and sustainable manufacturing sectors.
3. Practical and Political Challenges:
   On the flip side, the concept is highly disruptive and would likely face significant resistance from established industries. These companies have built their business models around using cheaper, virgin materials and are structured to resist the financial burden of overhauling production processes. Politically, setting binding targets with strict market restrictions would require robust regulatory frameworks and widespread support—a tall order in environments where vested interests and short-term political gains often take precedence over long-term sustainability.
4. Economic Implications:
   The idea of forcing companies to “catch up” by investing in new technologies and infrastructure could lead to short-term economic disruptions. However, if managed properly, the long-term benefits might include reduced environmental degradation, lower waste management costs, and a more resilient circular economy. The key would be designing policies that balance immediate costs with future gains and support industries in the transition rather than simply penalizing them. However it is important to note that these costs are intended as a punishment for decades of lies and inaction
5. Ethical and Social Dimensions:
   Fundamentally, radical catch up is about shifting responsibility from consumers to producers—making manufacturers pay for past deceptions and environmental harm. This can be seen as a morally compelling approach, as it pushes for accountability and fairness in how environmental costs are distributed across society.

In summary, while radical catch up is an idea with significant transformative potential, its success would depend on overcoming considerable practical, political, and economic hurdles. It’s a bold call for change that challenges deeply entrenched corporate practices and would require strong, visionary leadership and collaboration between government, industry, and society.