Waste & Circular Economy
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important when selecting materials during product design. It is no longer sufficient to only consider the material’s properties, ease of manufacturing, cost, and other attributes relevant to its application areas. It is now essential to evaluate the material’s impact on the environment as well.
All materials and end products have an environmental footprint that comes from their manufacturing, processing, design, durability, and reusability.
It is, however, possible to lower the materials’ environmental footprint through smarter production technologies, recyclability, material longevity, biodegradability, and circular economy approaches.
How can we help you?
If you are developing a new product or want to improve the environmental footprint of an existing one, we can support your team at every stage of the product design and development process. This includes initial material screening, material resource efficiency, recyclability, end-of-life treatment, and related business case development.
Waste & Circular Economy:
Circular Economy
The circular economy represents a profound shift in our approach to resource management and economic growth. It envisions a world where the traditional linear “take, make, dispose” model is replaced with a closed-loop system. In this regenerative system, products and materials are designed to be reused, remanufactured, or recycled, thus minimizing waste and reducing environmental impact. Embracing the circular economy means considering the entire lifecycle of products, from sourcing sustainable materials to designing for longevity and ease of disassembly.
By doing so, businesses can reduce their carbon footprint, conserve resources, and create innovative, sustainable solutions that benefit both the environment and the bottom line. The circular economy isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental shift that offers long-term benefits for companies willing to adopt its principles. It encourages innovation, resource efficiency, and the development of new business models that prioritize sustainability. In essence, it’s about reimagining our approach to consumption and production, with an eye toward a more sustainable, resilient future.
Strategic Waste Mapping and Handling
Strategic waste mapping and handling is a strategic approach to waste management that goes beyond traditional disposal practices. It involves a comprehensive assessment of an organization’s waste streams to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement. By mapping the flow of waste, businesses can pinpoint opportunities to reduce, reuse, or recycle materials, ultimately reducing disposal costs and minimizing environmental impact.
Effective waste handling also includes responsible disposal methods and exploring partnerships with waste-to-energy facilities. It’s not just about managing waste; it’s about strategically optimizing processes to align with sustainability goals and demonstrate a commitment to responsible resource management. Businesses that embrace strategic waste mapping and handling gain a competitive edge by reducing costs, enhancing environmental stewardship, and fostering a culture of sustainability throughout their
Mechanical Recycling
Mechanical recycling is a cornerstone of sustainable materials management. It encompasses the collection, sorting, and processing of post-consumer materials to create new products or packaging without altering their chemical composition. This approach conserves resources, reduces energy consumption, and diverts materials from landfills.
Companies can actively participate in mechanical recycling by establishing collection programs for recyclables, collaborating with recycling facilities to process collected materials, and incorporating recycled content into their manufacturing processes. Embracing mechanical recycling not only reduces the environmental footprint but also contributes to the creation of a circular economy, where materials are continuously reintegrated into the production cycle. It’s a proactive step towards a more sustainable future, where waste is minimized, resources are conserved, and responsible consumption becomes the norm.
Companies can actively participate in mechanical recycling by establishing collection programs for recyclables, collaborating with recycling facilities to process collected materials, and incorporating recycled content into their manufacturing processes. Embracing mechanical recycling not only reduces the environmental footprint but also contributes to the creation of a circular economy, where materials are continuously reintegrated into the production cycle. It’s a proactive step towards a more sustainable future, where waste is minimized, resources are conserved, and responsible consumption becomes the norm.
Chemical Recycling
Chemical recycling represents a groundbreaking solution to the plastic waste crisis. It encompasses innovative processes that break down plastics into their basic chemical building blocks, which can then be used to manufacture new products. This approach is particularly valuable for complex plastics that are challenging to mechanically recycle.
Businesses can explore various chemical recycling technologies such as pyrolysis, depolymerization, or liquefaction to embark on sustainable plastic waste management journeys. By doing so, they not only divert plastics from landfills and incineration but also support the development of a circular plastics economy, where plastics are continuously reprocessed and repurposed. Chemical recycling is a game-changer in the fight against plastic pollution, offering a viable path towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Strategies for reduce, reuse and Recycling
Materials are central to the environmental performance of products. Reducing a product’s environmental impact through material use-reduction commitments and material resource efficiency are examples of industry-led responses to support wider sustainable business strategies.
We can help you in every step of the product development process, from the initial stages of material selection or improving the environmental performance of existing products.
We can help you in every step of the product development process, from the initial stages of material selection or improving the environmental performance of existing products.
