Today, the linear economic systems prevailing worldwide, combined with the unsustainable management of limited resources, result in the generation of large amounts of waste, which is one of the major sources of emissions. In contrast, the circular economy focuses on reducing waste and lowering emissions.
Unlike the linear model, which is based on the “take-make-dispose” principle, the circular economy is regenerative in nature and oriented toward reducing resource use and promoting reuse. In circular production processes, particular attention is given to product design in order to keep resources within the system for as long as possible, thereby enabling repeated use and recycling of products.
Circular economy approaches are becoming increasingly popular among businesses. Well-known global brands are adopting circular practices to reduce their environmental impact and to increase customer loyalty.
Eco-Cup is a company that collaborates with festivals and various events, providing reusable plastic cups and designated return points. This system enables festival visitors to return used cups and receive a refund of the deposit paid when purchasing their drinks. The collected cups are then reused multiple times.
The globally renowned sports brand Nike has been implementing a wide range of circular initiatives for many years in an effort to reduce its impact on nature. The brand’s circular strategy includes manufacturing products and packaging from recyclable materials. In addition, the company collects used items from consumers, which are subsequently repurposed for new uses. A notable example of this approach is Nike’s production of sports field surfaces made from worn-out and obsolete shoes.
Dell is a pioneering manufacturer of electronic devices that actively uses recycled materials in its production processes. The company collects used electronic products from consumers and processes them accordingly. At the same time, Dell places strong emphasis on product design, ensuring that devices can be easily disassembled and that their components can be reused.
BMW is an automobile manufacturer that prioritizes product sustainability. The company offers an engine return service, through which returned engines are reintegrated into the production process. This approach helps maintain product quality while simultaneously increasing resource efficiency.
Answer the questions below and test your knowledge about waste.
This quiz was prepared with the support of the European Union within the CIRCOLUTION campaign, which is part of the “Circular Cities and Regions in Georgia” project, implemented by CENN with the support of the European Union.
