“Circular economy” is a term that has been in use for several years and is being adopted increasingly by more and more companies as part of their work policy. But, what is it and what exactly does it consist of? Can it add extra benefits?
The circular economy is a system that makes use of resources and is based on three fundamental pillars: reduction, reuse and recycling of elements. The famous 3Rs.
Up until a few years ago, the life cycle of an object used to be: produce, use and throw away. Now, however, the situation has changed. We have left behind the linear economic model and extended the useful life of the elements.
What is the circular economy?
As we mentioned in the previous paragraph, the circular economy is a system that uses the cyclical model of nature and is based as a model and it is based on the maximum use of resources. That is to say, this model consists of reducing production to the minimum possible, and using biodegradable materials, in such a way that at the end of their useful life, these materials can be returned to nature without damaging the environment.
However, it is not always possible to use eco-friendly materials. In these cases, the circular economy advocates giving them a new life by incorporating them into the production cycle and thus creating a new product.
Principles of the circular economy
We already know what the circular economy is, but how does it work? You just have to look at these fundamental aspects:
Waste becomes resources: biodegradable materials are returned to nature without altering it, and those that are not, are reused.
A second life: to look for alternatives to introduce new articles that have come to the end of their useful life, even if they no longer meet the main criteria for which they were created.
Reuse: use waste or parts of waste to make new products
Repair: it is possible that, on many occasions, it will be easier to throw away the product and buy a new one. However, we must avoid this comfort and try to extend the useful life of the products.
Recycle: reuse waste materials.
Valorisation: if a waste cannot be recycled, we will try to use it by turning it into energy.
Functionality: The circular economy suggests that when a product can no longer fulfill its function, it be returned to the company it came from to reuse those parts that can still be used.
Renewable sources: make use of these energies when producing, reusing and recycling.
Eco-conception: it takes into account all the environmental impact that a product can cause from the moment it is produced until it is discarded.
Cutting and manufacturing plant using Plasbel® recycled material in Alcantarilla (Murcia).
Benefits of the Circular Economical model
The circular economy model has several advantages for both users and businesses.
All those companies that have adopted this model have managed to make the costs of materials profitable, since they reuse the resources. In this way, production prices fall and the selling price also decreases, as well as the environmental impact.
Reduction in resource and energy use
Reduction in waste generation
Stimulating
innovation
Contributing to the fight against climate change
Plasbel® with the circular economy
2020: a year full of sustainable actions at Plasbel®
Presentation "Plasbel : towards a model of innovation, change and sustainability" given by Juan Pedro Hernández.
In addition, the company’s direction was emphasized, focused on an efficient management of materials through sustainable production. In other words, we join the 3Rs rule: reduce resources (raw material), reuse products (reusable bags), and recycle waste (plastics in the yellow container).
Also, the new classification of the business line was introduced (Flexible Packaging, Re-Plastics Products, Compostable and Biodegradable, Industrial Film) together with the new website, focused on our commitment to the environment, linked to quality and food safety standards. This new website is rather visual and didactic, and in it one can find all the information about our range of products which use recycled material, bio-compostable plastics and flexible packaging easy to recycle, under a circular economy model.
Also, the 2020 calendar at Plasbel® is full of many sustainable actions that will be revealed little by little. To begin with, we have already launched Plasbel® Eco-Challenge, a competition in which Plasbel® staff will be able to participate by contributing original ideas on how to reduce, reuse and recycle our resources.
