Exploring Circular Economy in Plastic Waste Management

Exploring Circular Economy in Plastic Waste Management

Let’s explore what is Circular economy in plastic waste management and what benefits does this economy entails!

What is Circular Economy in plastic waste management?

In simple words, the circular economy is a closed-loop model in which the raw material and components either do not lose or often lose very little value. This helps tackle global challenges such as waste, climate change, biodiversity and ecosystem loss, and pollution.

The linear model is often summarized as ‘take-make-waste”, as it is focused on creating one-time-use plastic things. Whereas the circular economy is regenerative and restorative.

“We need to stop thinking of plastic as ‘waste,’ but as a renewable resource that needs to be disposed of correctly.” - Helen Jordan from British Plastics Foundation

The circular economy in plastic waste management is a model to recycle and reuse plastic and help create a sustainable way of curbing the need for plastic, at the same time reducing the demand for “virgin” plastic.

Benefits of Circular Economy in plastic waste management

Less burden on the environment

Did you know that 62% of global emissions of greenhouse gases (excluding those from land use and forestry) are generated from the process of extraction, and production of these plastic items to meet the demand? Whereas, the gas emitted in the supply and use of products and services constitutes only 38% - Circle Economy calculations.

Implementing the circular economy will automatically minimize greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale. As Climate change and greenhouse gases are closely related to the use of these materials, circularity can help lessen the climate impact.

The linear model overburdens the environment as it depletes vital ecosystems like soil, air, and water for the production of goods and dumps toxins produced during the process in these Ecosystems. While circularity in the economy puts no pressure on the environment as it neither takes anything from it nor produces and dumps any toxins.

More employment, more economic growth

As the demand for “virgin”(raw) material is rising, the prices are also going up. If a brand/country chooses to source this raw material, they have to pay a hefty price for the same. Whereas using recycled material saves up a lot of money, subsequently helping in the growth of the economy.

Further, the United Nations Environmental Plan (UNEP) stated that by more effective use of resources, by 2050 the global economy could benefit by $2 trillion each year (UNEP, 2017). With a circular economy, this is easy to achieve.

As the extraction and process of raw material is not a specialized job, this reduces the value and labor. However, the production, development, and process of circularly developed items require a specialized workforce that can further provide more job opportunities and value of labor.

How we help?

We are a team of passionate individuals who wants to help as many brands in plastic waste management. As per the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibilities) we help you in the end-of-use treatment of consumer products that further minimize the environmental impact of waste materials. Our solutions cover everything from plastic waste management, E-waste management to construction and demolition waste.

Want to learn more about the circular economy in plastic waste management? Learn more about the circular economy and plastic waste management here!