Circular economy is the new buzzword in the world of sustainability. It has truly become a hot topic – not only among legislators in the European Union, but also among companies that strive to have a progressive sustainability profile. And most importantly, the concept has gained a lot of traction in public opinion. But. Not all recycling, and not all recycled materials, are good.
Circular economy needs trust, transparency and traceability
In order for circular economy to become cost-efficient and economically feasible, the whole value chain will need to invest in smooth collaboration. The key to its success? Trust, transparency and traceability.
Not knowing which hazardous chemicals are in our products is crazy – the new waste database is not
I’d like to argue that a database that can help us understand some of the toxic chemicals we surround ourselves with is pretty solid idea. And imagine the possibilities: What if it wasn’t limited to Candidate List substances, but could also include SIN List chemicals, or better yet, full material declarations? This would seriously incentivize the use of recycled materials as well as increase the value of the industry.
How a hazard-based approach and grouping of chemicals can pave the way for circular economy
Prioritization is a well-used term in chemicals management. It builds on the idea that instead of trying to deal with all hazardous chemicals in products and supply chains at the same time, you should focus on the worst offenders first. The problem is that many professionals connected to chemical regulation focus too much on prioritization. They spend their time forever prioritising instead of keeping their eyes on the ultimate goal, which is of coursing dealing with the hazardous chemicals.
Does it contain hazardous chemicals? You’ll find out soon
Finding out if a product contains hazardous substances can be difficult. Or at least time consuming. But soon a new database will be established to provide consumers with information on whether or not a product contains Substances of Very High Concern.
Sweden announces the high ambition alliance for chemicals and waste
Sweden announces the high ambition alliance on chemicals and waste Chemicals play an important role in the manufacturing processes of a great number of consumer products, and the production and use of chemicals are increasing year by year. Global supply…
This is what it takes to make circular economy work
What is the one key thing that is needed for circular economy to work? That the Ikea’s, Apple’s and H&M’s of the world see a value in recycled materials and re-use it in new products on a large scale.
Circular economy will never take off unless we address hazardous chemicals in recycled materials
Looking at design and production, and what the barriers for a circular economy are, it always comes down to hazardous chemicals.
Solving the 3D puzzle game Rubik’s Cube might not be so smart after all
Do you remember the colorful puzzle game Rubik’s Cube, found in nearly every kids room since back in the seventies? Of course you do, you probably had one yourself and perhaps your kids today have one, too. According to Wikipedia…
New report on Circular Economy
A new report on Circular Economy has been released by NGOs ClientEarth and EEB. The report describes the complexity of how REACH, product legislations, the Waste Framework Directive and specific waste stream directives interact and the implications this has on…