Circular Economy is a term used to describe business practices that combine high efficiency and profits with greater environmental responsibility. Unlike the traditional linear model adopted by businesses for decades, this approach looks at how existing resources can be repaired, reused and integrated in new products instead of being replaced.
This model is based on the fact that there is a limit to our supply of natural resources. As such, it’s essential to reuse what we’ve already extracted and produced for as long as possible instead of always turning to new material. It also places emphasis on sharing, renting and recycling, as opposed to the ‘use and throw’ philosophy of the past.
Circular economy is not really about using less, it’s about using more of what you already have. This allows you to extract greater value from the resources you’re using, as well as make a contribution to the effort of saving finite resources for the generations to come. If we use it all up now, what will we be left with tomorrow?
How Can Circular Economy Be Implemented?
Circular economic thinking already exists in many sections of society, but it’s often seen only at the consumer level. Many individuals, communities and organizations are pushing for greater sustainability at the corporate level as well, but businesses tend to be wary of the idea that reprocessing material can actually help them earn more.
To get around the idea that fixing broken or obsolete products and reusing resources will affect profits negatively, companies need to understand how this model benefits them. The advantages of circular economy go far beyond environmental responsibility alone, especially when you consider their long-term impact on business success.
Here are the top 10 benefits of the circular economy model:
- It improves recycling and waste management systems, which saves space in landfills.
- It decreases the consumption of raw material, preserving valuable natural resources.
- It reduces greenhouse emissions from production processes as well as landfill trash.
- It minimizes air and water pollution from extraction and manufacturing processes.
- It leads to significant energy savings, particularly when it comes to oil consumption.
- It helps with job creation, promoting sustainable economic growth in various sectors.
- It can open up new markets and income generation opportunities for companies.
- It increases production efficiency, resource productivity, cost savings and profits.
- It promotes innovation, both in terms of new products and manufacturing practices.
- It allows businesses to reduce their carbon footprint, creating a greener reputation.
As you can see here, there are many reasons to adopt sustainable and responsible manufacturing practices in every industry. It’s all a matter of raising awareness, especially when it comes to everyday products such as paper and plastic.
How Do Industrial Shredders Come Into the Picture?
Paper and paper products such as cardboard and corrugate are some of the most easily recyclable materials, but they still end up in landfills too often. Part of the reason for this is the concern over data security, with business unwilling to risk confidential documents with sensitive customer or financial information falling into the wrong hands.
An industrial paper shredder takes care of this problem, since documents can be destroyed on-site before they are sent to the recycling center. Not only is reprocessing easier with shredded paper, but think about the amount of paper created from this ‘trash’. It can be recycled again and again, and eventually composted when the fibers get too small!
To promote circular economy even further, small businesses operating in the same location could also consider sharing an industrial paper shredder. Other options include renting equipment to use only when required, or buying pre-owned shredders. A professional compactor and shredder equipment provider can help you find what you need.
There’s another benefit to renting or leasing equipment when you need it. If you have a lot of paper waste, you can try a variety of solutions to find what suits you best before making a large investment in buying an industrial paper shredder. An industrial shredder you rent instead of purchasing will also be maintained and serviced by the company providing it to you.
With increased awareness of environmental problems, the circular economy model is becoming the new approach to sustainable business all over the world. If you haven’t yet explored this option, don’t waste any more time (or resources). Get with the program and make a conscious effort to promote sustainability in business now!
About the Author
Erich Lawson is very passionate about the environment and is an advocate of effective recycling. He writes on a wide array of topics to inform readers on how modern recycling equipment can be used by industries to reduce monthly wastage bills and increase recycling revenue. You can learn more about environment saving techniques by visiting his blog on Northern California Compactors, Inc.
