Explaining the circular economy
In the search for sustainable and responsible practices, the adoption of circular economy principles emerges as a transformative strategy with multiple benefits.
Sustainability has gone from being a mere buzzword to becoming a key determinant of long-term success.
The circular economy, focused on responsible resource management and waste reduction, is emerging as a transformative paradigm for companies seeking to align profitability, community benefit and environmental protection.
What is the circular economy?
How the circular economy works and why it is important.
The term was coined in 2010 by Ellen MacArthur, who created a foundation with her name to promote what she called the circular economy.
The circular economy is based on four principles
Principles of the circular economy
Ecodesign
Eco-design is the cornerstone of the circular economy for more environmentally sustainable and circular products. The old buy-use-throw away scheme has been left behind, we must move to a new model that allows products and materials to be kept in a cycle. In this context, eco-design is born, creating sustainable products and services in all their phases: creation, development, transport and the opportunity for them to be incorporated back into the production processes.
Some of the features of ecodesign are
The entire life cycle of the product must be taken into account.
Use less raw material for its manufacture. At the time of production, the amount of materials and energy used for its manufacture must be optimized.
Materials that are reusable and/or recyclable should be used.
Some of the benefits of ecodesign are
Manufacture of articles of higher quality since they are manufactured with more durable materials.
Reduction of CO2 emissions
100% recyclable containers and packaging.
Eco-design tools
Today there are design guides that measure the recyclability of packaging. These design guides are mainly aimed at all those companies that place packaged products on the market. Their objective is to have a guide that allows to make known the technical specifications of the packaging that can affect its recyclability.
Eliminate waste and contamination
Waste: The word waste (originating from the Latin residŭum) describes material that loses its usefulness after having fulfilled its mission or served to perform a certain job. Waste from human activities
Waste from human activities is waste generated by industrial, economic, cultural and other human-involved activities. From food waste to packaging, including mine waste, decommissioned aircraft, particulate matter from combustion, building demolition debris and much more. It is fundamental to any understanding and advancement in the field of sustainability that we identify the effects we cause on the condition of the planet as we go about our daily activities. Sustainable consumption refers to the use of goods and services in a responsible manner to minimize the use of natural resources, reduce pollution emissions and waste, in order to avoid jeopardizing the needs of future generations.
Circulate products and materials
One of the principles of the circular economy is to keep materials in use, whether as a product, as components or as raw materials, thus preventing them from becoming waste.
Source: adapted from Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2016.
Regenerating nature
By moving from a linear, extract-produce-waste economy to a circular economy, we support natural processes and leave more space for nature to thrive.
The linear economy is a system in which resources are extracted to make products that eventually end up as waste and are discarded. Products and materials always move in one direction: from raw material to waste. The circular economy aims to address climate change, biodiversity loss, e-waste and pollution by focusing on key principles:
Eliminate waste and contamination
In a linear economy, natural resources are converted into finished products that are ultimately discarded and not given a second chance at use or life. The circular economy relies on reuse, repair, refurbishment and recycling to create a reuse cycle system.
The objectives of each are also different. In the linear economy it may be easier and cheaper to dispose of a product than to recycle it. The effort to recycle and reuse products takes time and money.
Circular Economy
The goal of the circular economy is sustainability, which requires additional effort. The costs may be higher depending on the industry and the product in question, but the benefits are unbeatable when it comes to the environment.
The volume of waste reaching landfills is reduced, reducing pollution.
Economic advantages for companies. Raw materials from natural resources are replaced by these recovered materials.
The door to new jobs. Since investment in recycling plants has increased.
The circular economy offers us tools to, together, tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, while addressing important social needs.
