INDUSTRIAL Circular Economy
Circular economy in the cosmetics industry:
An Introduction:
The Circular Economy represents the idea that materials and products are never wasted but always reused and/or recycled, allowing us to decouple economic growth from resource use. This new degenerative growth model could give back to the planet more than it takes while still being profitable for businesses. No more “Take, Make, Dispose.”
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The Body Shop collaborated with Plastics for Change to give fair wages to waste pickers in India resulting in 3 million hair care bottles this year.
Terracycle launched its Loop platform: products are delivered to consumer households in refillable packaging. The packaging is returned, cleaned and re-used for the same products. Loop features many name brands – from Pantene to Hagen Daas.
Lush cosmetics has opened ‘Naked’ stores offering an expanded set of packaging-free products that have been reformulated to reduce their water content, resulting in solid versions of products such as shampoo, shower gels, body lotions and toothpaste.
Their efforts saved 19.4 million plastic bottles. Lush also launched its Lens App, a new digital label to eliminate the need for paper labels, and consumers can return empty hair care containers to get a free mask.
Splosh is a subscription cleaning kit containing a range of simply designed bottles and sachet of concentrated liquid create DIY cleaning products.
The film pouch that holds the fluid is PVOH (polyvinyl alcohol), a dissolvable material used in a variety of industries. In this case it was an especially useful design choice, as once dissolved, PVOH improves the product, adding viscosity and a mild cleaning action to the mixed solution.
Luxury skin care brand Wildsmith Skin launched a gift set packaged in mycelium packaging, a mushroom-based biodegradable box. These innovations are driven by the private sector, can also be supported by the right policy environment.
Similarly, promoting the circular economy can engage with the most vulnerable communities impacted by excessive waste, allowing them to be the source of their own solutions instead of a top–down only approach, while investing in those solutions to lift them up.
Eighty percent of a products’ environmental impacts are determined at the design phase. Over the next decade it is more important than ever that brand leaders consider how they can join and champion a circular economy for all – from start to finish.
Circular economy in the Automotive Industry:
An Introduction:
Circular Economy is an ecosystem that aims to eliminate waste throughout an entire value chain -including throughout manufacturing, production and use. Its value comes in preserving raw materials and eradicating waste altogether. By contrast, our current “linear economy” transforms raw materials into products that are made, used and disposed of, finding value in producing and selling as many goods as possible.
While the growth in electric cars is happening faster than we thought, truly meeting climate goals will take riding the momentum of another big transition -one to the circular economy. Leaning into these parallel shifts could spark a revolution in how cars are made and used.
The Outcomes of Circular Economy business in Automotive Industry:
Improve Customer loyalty
Captivate Customers
Accentuate business growth
Alleviate hazards
Spur success
Achieve sustainable development
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It is estimated that globally, circular economy initiatives could generate revenues of almost $4.5 trillion by 2030.
Over 2021-2025, Ford intends to use 20% sustainable materials in its vehicles.
Volkswagen has committed to halving the carbon emissions per vehicle in all its plants.
Toyota has declared that it will seek a 30% reduction in the global average carbon emissions from its new vehicles, compared to 2010 levels.
General motors has stated that it will use 100% renewable energy for vehicles manufactured in the US and reduce green house gas emissions by 31%
Automakers Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Volvo and Volkswagen are working to achieve carbon neutrality by 2031-2050
More than 25% of the plastics in the BMW i3’s interior use recycled plastics in more than 120 components.
Circular Economy in the Food industries:
An Introduction:
In the circular economy, the circle product - waste - product is closed. It is expected from the industry to function as a natural eco-system, and waste from one industry becomes a raw material to another industry, i.e., to stimulate circulation, from which the term circular originates. The circular economy is a general term that encompasses all activities that reduce, reuse, and recycle materials in the processes of production, distribution, and consumption. Considering the projections for population growth on Earth, the food industry is expected to increase production, which inevitably carries an increase in the amount of generated waste. Organic components of vegetable waste are of interest for further use because they contain large quantities of highly valuable molecules. Hence the circular economy offers a vision for a food system fit for the future.
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Circular economy has another great advantage - it is not reserved only for the rich countries of the West. For example, China was the first country in the world to adopt a law on the implementation of the circular economy in 2008.
The European Union has created a package on the circular economy by extending earlier directives on waste management. The ten-year development strategy (2010-2020) of Europe 2020, which was adopted after the global economic crisis in 2008, mentions the transition from a linear to a circular (circular) economy as one of the EU's development priorities.
Grapes represent one of the leading fruit crops in the world. In addition to the fact that grapes can be used in the production of certain food products such as juices, jams, jellies or can be used as raw, almost three quarters of the total annual production is used in the wine industry for wine production .
The food industry has been called by some the ‘world’s largest industry’, with over 1 billion people working each day to grow, process, transport, market, cook, pack, sell or deliver food. The resources required to sustain this are vast: 50% of the planet’s habitable land and 70% of freshwater demand is taken up by agriculture.
In the last 100 years, the advent of several key technologies has disrupted the agricultural sector. Three have led to a sharp rise in crop productivity: the synthesis of chemical fertilisers through the Haber-Bosch process, the mechanisation of agricultural equipment and the hybridisation of seed varieties. The positive impacts have been significant, enough to earn Norman Borlaug, the architect of this ‘Green Revolution’, the Nobel Peace prize for lifting countless farmers out of subsistence lifestyles and saving hundreds of millions of people from starvation.
The circular economy business in Bio-Technology
An Introduction:
The circular economy is an emerging economic model based on recycling and repairing. Its core purpose is to minimize or eliminate waste and natural resource extraction in order to protect the environment and make our economies more efficient.
Modern society creates an incredible amount of what we deem “waste.” This waste ultimately gets sent off to a landfill; burnt off as pollution; or dumped into our rivers, streams, and oceans.
In a linear economy, goods are made, used, and then thrown away. In the circular economy, goods and materials are designed into smaller and smaller loops, where they are used over and over
Instead of a straight, one-way, line from extraction to disposal, the circular economy bends the line back. So, when before used goods would be disposed of, we now find ways to turn them back into useful ingredients or components. At its core, the circular economy refuses to characterize anything as “waste.” Wherever we can, the circular economy strives to see how what we in the past deemed as “waste” is a highly valuable commodity. We can put these vital used resources back to use and repeatedly.
For example, we could develop systems where beverage bottles are continuously sent back to the initial bottler to be washed and re-used. The best way to help advance the circular economy is choosing products that feature less packaging and result in less waste. This might include:
Avoiding pre-packaged produce, instead storing them in your own bags
Choosing aluminium cans over plastic bottles. Aluminium cans are much more efficient to recycle!
Seeking to repair old appliances and technologies before replacing them altogether
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Global greenhouse gas emissions amounted to 48 billion tonnes CO2e in 2010. When continuing a ‘business as usual’ pathway, emissions would reach 65 billion tonnes CO2e by 2030. In that scenario we are facing dangerous climate change, with an increase of the global temperature over 4 °C by the year 2100.
Circular economy business in Construction industry:
An Introduction:
Our vision for the circular economy goes beyond recycling: it requires an organisation to radically rethink its relationships with suppliers and end-users too, accessing new skills and developing new incentives, so that value is retained and regenerated as waste is avoided as much as possible and materials are re-circulated within the system.
For example, consumer furore around plastics has sparked a frenzy of activity in this space: improvements to recycling, inventing compostable alternatives, creating models for monetising, and reusing plastic items like cups and bottles, spurring activism, such as the ‘plastic attacks’ rejecting packaging in-store, and cleaning up existing pollution, as well as a spate of business and government pledges. Yet, our failure thus far to translate the attention into meaningful, widespread change shows the importance of taking a step back, looking at the root of the problem, and asking how we can restructure the whole system.
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In partnership with the CEO-led World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), new thinking with the potential to genuinely reset business’ ambition.
Published in November 2021, the Compass for Just and Regenerative Business report:
outlines the business imperative to shape a just and regenerative future
sets out a working definition of what it means to be ‘just’ and ‘regenerative’
introduces a new ‘Business Transformation Compass’ tool to help businesses navigate the critical shifts needed, and grounds this thinking with practical guidance that explores real world application to business strategy and key functions such as Marketing, Procurement, Corporate Affairs and Human Resources.
Circular Economy in Oil & Petroleum:
An Introduction:
For sustainability of our future societies, we need sustainable manufacturing strategies with resource and environment conservation as their integral part.
The issue of resource scarcity is becoming vital as the consumption of energy and material resources is increasing rapidly in both the industrialised and developing countries. The current unprecedented increase in resource consumption is a consequence of exponential increase in the world population and economic growth, especially in countries like China and India where the annual GDP growth in the past two decades has been about 10 and 7 percent respectively.
With the global population doubling in size over the next fifty years, a 5-fold increase in the global GDP per capita is estimated. Total impact- the energy consumption, material resource usage and waste production – of this combined growth is estimated to be a 10-fold increase. In other words, if the technology remains unchanged, we need 10 times more resources and an ability of similar order to manage the waste produced. Circular Economy is viewed as a solution to the problem of resource scarcity.
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A circular economy for oil and gas can minimize the number of materials by incorporating other methodologies, such as reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling. The oil and gas industry has grown by more than 20% in the last five years and is currently valued at $812 billion
The oil and gas industry has grown by more than 20% in the last five years and is currently valued at $812 billion.
Many businesses in the oil and gas industry are currently taking steps to reduce waste and embrace a circular economy.
For many thought leaders in the field, a top priority is reducing hydrocarbons (the chief components in petroleum and natural gas) rather than eliminating them.
Major mining companies like Fortescue and Rio Tinto have announced investments in solar power and battery technology. The global resources company BHP has also entered into renewable-power purchase agreements (PPAs) to move to 100% renewable energy by the mid-2020s.
Circular Economy in Textile Industry:
An Introduction:
Traditional business models in the fashion and textile industry are extractive. They are focused on producing greater volumes over time, which uses more resources and creates more waste. In contrast, circular business models focus on retaining the value of existing materials through perpetual cycles. They minimize waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems.
Circularity touches every part of the value chain. It demands a systems-thinking approach. The brands with the best circular strategies are building transformative business models that will help them stay competitive in the future. These might include rental models, alternative markets for unsold goods, extended producer responsibility, and second-life business models. These models will disrupt the way companies make money and require buy-in and excitement at every level of the business.
As companies increase their uptake of recycled inputs and explore circular models, there is an urgent need to invest in new technologies that can close the loop efficiently and cost-effectively. In a circular model, there is no waste: all materials are usable resources. A new circular textiles system needs solutions that let us recycle textiles back into textiles without degrading quality.
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In a new textiles economy clothes are used more often, which allows their value to be captured fully. Once clothes cannot be used anymore, recycling them into new clothes allows the value of the materials to be captured at different levels.
The global textile market grew from $573.22 billion in 2022 to $610.91 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%. The Russia-Ukraine war disrupted the chances of global economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, at least in the short term.
Total textile recycling market was valued at USD 6.9billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 9.4 billion in 2027, growing at a CAGR 6.4 % from 2022 to 2027.
Resale, rental, repair and remaking are already worth more than USD 73 billion – and growing. Since 2019, and despite the global Covid-19 pandemic, seven resale and rental platforms – Depop, Rent the Runway, The Real Real, Vinted, Poshmark, Vestiaire Collective, and ThredUP – have reached billion-dollar valuations. These business models have the potential to grow from 3.5% of the global fashion market today to 23% by 2030, becoming a USD 700 billion opportunity, while providing significant environmental savings from increased use and reduced production.
Circular Economy in Telecommunication equipment’s industry:
An Introduction:
The Circular Economy concept is a common concept in the telecoms industry. It emphasises the preservation of value in products, materials, and resources for as long as possible, to extend the product life cycle and minimise waste. According to TXO, 90% of operators believe that the circular economy is important to their organisation.
Masses of telecom devices become electronic waste — mobile phones, SIM cards, wires, batteries, and other equipment are often in service for just a few years. The glass that makes up a device’s screen, however, can take a million years to break down. Many of a device’s other components contain heavy metals including lead, mercury, and cadmium, which, if mishandled, can pollute the environment.
To combat this issue, it’s crucial for our industry to take a more circular approach. Many big vendors have already announced measures to encourage recycling — for example, Vodafone is 18 months into its circularity program, which aims to repair, resell and refurbish old electronics to eliminate waste and reduce CO2 emissions.
The linear economy model typically deals with raw materials inefficiently since the emphasis was not on the conservation of materials and products. It promotes the processing and usage of raw materials in a single-use fashion and then discarded as waste.
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Compared to a linear economy, a circular economy in telecom should eliminate and minimise waste at every step of the journey, creating closed-loop systems.
If we continue to use a linear economy, by 2050, the world’s demand for resources could almost triple, depleting the planet’s natural resources by over 400%. And this could prove to be more dangerous to not only all industries, but the world.
In research conducted by ABI Research, 4.5 billion plastic SIM cards were produced worldwide in 2020 to connect mobile devices to the network, in a plastic and carbon-intensive manufacturing process. Although many telcos have partly dematerialised their SIM card offerings by reducing their size and packaging, the rise of the embedded SIM, or eSIM, could eliminate the need for physical components.
The carbon footprint generated from the production and distribution of SIM cards is typically very high. In 2012, the ICMA estimated that 2 billion SIM cards are shipped annually. Thus, the SIM card industry contributed about 2,000,000,000×35g CO2e or 70,000 tons. Following the same formula and applying more recent data, the estimated carbon footprint of SIM cards in 2020 contributed about 4,500,000,000×35g CO2e or 157,500 tons.
Circular Economy in Health Care Industries:
An Introduction:
Circular economy is a framework that aims to maximize the value and utility of materials and resources by keeping them in use for as long as possible, through reducing waste and pollution, and promoting reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling.
Healthcare industries, which are responsible for a significant portion of global waste generation and carbon emissions, are increasingly adopting circular economy principles to reduce their environmental impact and promote sustainable practices.
Circular economy approaches in healthcare industries can involve a variety of strategies, including:
Designing products and processes with circularity in mind, such as using renewable or recycled materials, reducing packaging waste, and designing products that can be easily disassembled, repaired, and refurbished.
Reducing waste and emissions through more efficient use of resources, such as reducing energy and water consumption, optimizing inventory management, and implementing closed-loop systems for waste management and recycling.
Promoting reuse and repurposing of products and materials, such as refurbishing and reselling medical equipment, donating unused medication to charitable organizations, and implementing take-back programs for products and materials at end-of-life.
Engaging stakeholders across the healthcare industry value chain to promote collaboration and innovation, such as forming partnerships with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders to develop circular solutions and share best practices.
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Several healthcare industries globally have already started to implement circular economy principles, such as:
Medical devices: Companies like Philips have implemented circular economy principles in their design and manufacturing of medical devices, including a circular business model for their imaging equipment.
Pharmaceuticals: Some pharmaceutical companies have implemented take-back programs for unused medications, which can help reduce waste and promote sustainable practices.
Hospitals: Some hospitals are implementing circular economy principles by recycling medical equipment, using renewable energy, and reducing waste through sustainable practices.
Health systems: Some health systems are implementing circular economy principles by using renewable energy, reducing waste through recycling and composting, and promoting sustainable food practices.
Circular Economy in Jewellery Industries:
An Introduction:
Circular economy in the jewellery industry involves adopting sustainable practices to reduce waste, increase recycling and reuse, and minimize the environmental impact of producing and selling jewellery.
Upcycled collections have been popping up on the runways. Second-hand shops are bursting at the seams and repair shops are also getting more business. And it’s high time it happened! If we do not change anything about our Throwaway society then sooner or later, resources will run out. It is especially urgent that we adopt circular business models in the jewellery sector. Natural resources are scarce and expensive, and mining them has a major impact on our environment.
The demand for natural resources continues to increase as finding new sources and extracting them is becoming increasingly difficult. Soon, some vital resources will become scarce and very expensive. It is therefore definitely in the interests of the jewellery industry to switch from a linear to a circular model where silver and gold are recycled and reused.
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Most of the gold and silver available in Western Europe comes from old recycled jewellery. Not only is this better for the planet but it also has the bonus of guaranteeing good working conditions because this jewellery is processed within the European Union. Your favourite piece of jewellery could be made from recycled gold and you probably would not even know it.
Mining uses an enormous amount of water to extract the precious metals needed for all the technology underpinning our modern lifestyles: mobiles phones and other electronics. Belgium currently has more mobile phones than inhabitants. It's a real waste that old mobile phone batteries (and all of the precious metals they contain) end up in a dusty cupboard or in the bin.
Circular companies such as Umicore recycle precious metals from electrical appliances, smartphones, and computer motherboards. One gold wedding ring requires 200 mobile phones. Recycling these materials is very profitable because the value of metal does not decrease over time. One tonne of e-waste accounts for 100 times more gold than what is extracted in mines. Umicore Precious Metals Refining is one of the largest precious metal recycling plants in the world. Umicore has a recovery rate of almost 95% for metals contained in e-waste.
Circular Economy in Leather Industries:
An Introduction:
Circular economy is an economic model that aims to create a closed loop system of production and consumption, in which materials are used and reused to their fullest potential, and waste is minimized. In the context of the leather industry, circular economy principles involve the implementation of sustainable practices throughout the entire supply chain, from raw material production to end-of-life disposal.
One key area of focus in the circular economy for the leather industry is the use of sustainable and regenerative materials. This includes sourcing hides and skins from animals that are raised using sustainable practices, such as regenerative grazing, which can improve soil health and reduce carbon emissions.
Another important aspect of circular economy in the leather industry is the implementation of sustainable production practices. This includes the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, in leather processing facilities, as well as the implementation of water and energy efficient technologies. By reducing resource use and waste generation, circular economy principles can help leather manufacturers improve their economic and environmental performance.
Circular economy in the leather industry also involves extending the life of leather products through repair, refurbishment, and recycling. Leather products are durable and can be repaired and refurbished to extend their useful life. When leather products reach the end of their useful life, they can be recycled or upcycled into new products, such as furniture, accessories, and even new leather materials. This not only reduces waste and conserves resources but also creates new opportunities for innovation and market growth.
Circular economy principles can also be applied to the leather industry's supply chain management practices. This includes the implementation of closed-loop supply chains, where materials are reused and recycled within the same production system, as well as the development of circular business models that prioritize the use of sustainable and regenerative materials, and the recovery and recycling of used products.
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According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the circular economy implementation in the fashion and textiles industry, which includes the leather industry, is still in its early stages. However, there are some notable examples of circular economy practices being implemented in the industry.
For example, in Italy, which is a leading producer of leather products, several companies have implemented circular economy practices in their production processes. For instance, the tanning company Gruppo Mastrotto has developed a closed-loop system for leather production, where all waste generated during the tanning process is reused or recycled. Similarly, Conceria Pasubio has developed a water recycling system that reduces the amount of water used in the tanning process.
In India, which is also a major producer of leather products, several initiatives have been implemented to promote circular economy practices. The Council for Leather Exports (CLE) has established a Green Leather Certification Scheme to encourage companies to adopt environmentally sustainable practices in their production processes. The scheme requires companies to comply with environmental regulations, reduce water and energy consumption, and implement waste reduction measures.
In the United States, several companies in the leather industry have implemented circular economy practices. For example, Wolverine Worldwide, a leading footwear manufacturer, has developed a program called "1000 Mile Warranty" that encourages customers to send back their worn-out shoes for repair or recycling.
Circular Economy in Power-gen renewable:
An Introduction:
Circular economy in power generation renewable refers to the concept of designing and implementing renewable energy systems that follow circular principles. The circular economy is an economic system that aims to eliminate waste and create a closed-loop system where resources are used and reused efficiently.
In the context of renewable energy, circular economy principles can be applied to the design, production, and management of renewable energy systems to maximize their efficiency and minimize waste. This can be achieved through a variety of approaches, such as:
Design for durability: Designing renewable energy systems with materials that can be easily recycled or repurposed at the end of their life cycle.
Reuse and repurpose: Reusing and repurposing components of renewable energy systems to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.
Recycling: Recycling materials from renewable energy systems at the end of their life cycle to create new components.
Energy efficiency: Maximizing the efficiency of renewable energy systems to reduce the amount of energy required to produce and operate them.
Waste reduction: Minimizing waste in the production and operation of renewable energy systems by using materials and resources efficiently.
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By 2050, solar PV panel waste could increase to 10 million tonnes annually
By 2023, approximately, 14000 wind turbine blades will be decommissioned equivalent to about 50,000 tons
By 2030, battery waste could reach to 2 million tons per year due to a growing demand of electric vehicles & stationary storage
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global energy demand is expected to increase by nearly 25% between 2017 and 2040, with renewable energy sources expected to account for almost two-thirds of this increase.
The renewable energy industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with installed capacity increasing from 414 GW in 2009 to 2,799 GW in 2020, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).
The recycling of rare earth metals used in wind turbines can reduce the environmental impact of these technologies and ensure a secure supply of these materials.
The circular economy approach also promotes the use of waste-to-energy technologies, such as biomass and biogas, to generate electricity and heat. According to the IEA, waste-to-energy technologies could provide up to 20% of the world's electricity needs by 2050.
Circular economy in Security systems:
An Introduction:
A circular economy approach to security systems involves designing, producing, and managing security technologies in a way that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency. This can be achieved through measures such as using recycled materials, designing products for reuse or repair, and implementing take-back programs for end-of-life products.
Circular economy principles can also be applied to the service model for security systems, encouraging providers to extend the lifespan of equipment and reduce the need for frequent upgrades. This approach can not only reduce the environmental impact of security systems but also provide economic benefits through cost savings and new business opportunities in the circular economy.
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Globally, the adoption of circular economy principles in the security industry is still in its early stages, but there are some examples of circular security systems. For instance, a company in the Netherlands called Excess Materials Exchange (EME) is working to create a circular economy for security systems. EME has developed a platform where businesses can exchange their excess security products, thereby reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that holds manufacturers responsible for the entire life cycle of their products, including disposal. Many countries have implemented EPR policies for electronic waste, which includes security systems. These policies encourage manufacturers to design products that are easier to recycle, and they also help fund collection and recycling programs.
One example is Cisco, a global technology company that offers cybersecurity solutions. Cisco has developed a circular economy business model for its products, where it promotes the repair, reuse, and recycling of its equipment. The company also offers buyback and trade-in programs for its products, encouraging customers to return their old equipment for refurbishment or recycling.
Another example is Microsoft, a global technology company that also provides cybersecurity solutions. Microsoft has adopted circular economy principles in its supply chain, reducing waste by using recycled materials and designing products for repair and disassembly. The company also operates a closed-loop recycling program for its data centers, where it recovers materials from retired servers and other equipment.
Finally, Schneider Electric, a global energy management and automation company, has adopted circular economy principles in its cybersecurity solutions.
Circular economy in Mining Industries:
An Introduction:
Circular Economy in mining means having operations that have a net positive contribution to the environment and society, and working with the wider metals supply chain to promote the responsible use and recovery of metals after they enter markets. Circularity is not new in the mining and metals industry.
Mining companies are exploring ways to reuse waste materials generated during mining activities, such as tailings, which are the leftover materials after the extraction of minerals. Tailings can be processed to extract valuable metals, or they can be used to make construction materials like bricks and tiles.
Mining companies are increasingly using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. They are also exploring ways to use waste heat generated during mining operations to power their operations.
Recycled steel can be used in mining equipment, reducing the need for new steel production.
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Mining companies implementing circular economy practices globally include BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, and Glencore. These companies have set ambitious targets for reducing their environmental impact and are actively working to implement circular economy practices in their operations.
At its Olympic Dam mine in South Australia, BHP has built a plant that recovers copper and uranium from tailings (waste materials) and recycles them back into the production process.
Rio Tinto is also partnering with other companies, governments, and organizations to develop circular economy solutions. For example, the company is part of the Zero Waste Alliance, a group of businesses and organizations working to eliminate waste and promote the circular economy.
Glencore recovers and recycles metals such as copper, zinc, and nickel from scrap and waste materials, reducing the need for new mining activities. The company also processes metal concentrates and tailings to recover additional metals, extending the life of existing mines.
It has invested in renewable energy projects such as wind and solar power, reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
It has developed processes to convert waste materials into valuable products, such as turning mine tailings into cement additives or using waste sulfuric acid to produce fertilizer.
Circular Economy in defense industries:
An Introduction:
The circular economy provides a vision that is attractive to the defense sector as it allows it to remain competitive within the industry but in a more sustainable way, reducing both the environmental impact and the logistical footprint
The current linear economic model implies lack of resources and excess of residues that the planet cannot stand. As an alternative model, circular economy has been proposed. There is a collective effort in the development of circularity in order to achieve economic, social, and environmental sustainability. The interrelation of the phases of the model, the process and product design, the remanufacturing, the waste management, and the cooperation of the defense sector with other economic agents are essential towards a circular economy.
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