Circular economy : how can we turn our waste into resources ?

Published on 18/03/2024

Économie circulaire entreprise

The circular economy is an approach that aims to change the way we produce, use and dispose of our goods. Unlike the traditional linear ‘take, make, throw away’ model, the circular economy aims to reduce waste while optimising the use of available materials and resources.

 

What is the circular economy?

 

The circular economy is a concept inspired by the way nature works, where nothing is lost and everything is transformed. Rather than discarding objects after they have been used, it encourages the reuse, recycling and renewal of materials to create a continuous cycle.

 

The principles of the circular economy :

  1. Design for sustainability: Products are designed with their entire life cycle in mind, promoting durability, repairability and recycling.
  2. Reuse and share: Encourage the reuse of products and promote sharing to extend their life.
  3. Smart recycling: Maximise the recycling of materials to create new resources without depleting raw materials.
  4. Functional economy: Rather than owning goods, the focus is on accessing and using services, thereby reducing the production of unnecessary goods.

 

circular economy company

What are the benefits ?

 

  1. Waste reduction: Less waste means less pressure on our landfill sites, preserving the environment.
  2. Resource conservation: By recycling and reusing, we preserve the planet's precious natural resources.
  3. Job creation: The circular economy stimulates economic growth by encouraging new industries linked to recycling and reuse.
  4. Sustainable innovation: Encouraging the design of sustainable and innovative products that meet society's needs while respecting the environment.

 

 

How can we contribute as a company ?

 

  • Responsible purchasing: Opt for sustainable suppliers and products to reduce waste production.
  • Value for money: Encourage repair and reuse before considering replacement.
  • Waste management: There are many ways to reduce the amount of waste we produce in the workplace and adopt more responsible practices on a daily basis. Here are a few examples that are easy to put in place: replace individual printers with central printers that print on both sides of the paper, install sorting bins for office waste, use reusable cups and water bottles, favour digital over paper, organise car pooling and, of course, opt for equipment that encourages sorting and recycling, such as our balers and compactors.
  • Internal awareness-raising: Communicate within your company by making the circular economy an integral part of the corporate culture, by involving your employees in the process by sharing ideas or through challenges, by using notice boards, newsletters or bulletins to provide practical advice to your employees, etc.

Published by Mathilde Weissmann