The Challenge Manufacturers Face with Circularity in a Growth Based Economy
Living in a world that expects greater output, more expedient service, and low prices is a challenge when it comes to instigating a circular economy that can support the reduction of climate change and conserve the number of raw materials we use. However, there are more companies than ever before that are trying hard to harness the circular model – we took a look to find out the challenges they are facing along the way.
The Growth of the Circular Economy
There is nothing new about the concept of a circular economy, with Daniel Pearce and Kerry Turner being seen as the people who introduced the concept over three decades ago when they published ‘Economics of Natural Resources and the Environment. This concept took into account a range of ideas, including things such as regenerative design, cradle to cradle, and industrial ecology, all with the mission to stop the current linear system were taking, making, and wasting is the standard and expected solution.
Understanding a Circular Economy
In order to eradicate the current system, even in a growth-based economy, it is vital that consumers and companies have a clear understanding of what circularity actually means. In its simplest form, the circular economy is based on three key ideas – firstly, using the design process to remove waste and pollution problems from inception. Secondly, creating products that have a long life span and can offer long usage periods. Thirdly, creating natural systems that can be regenerated to meet supply and demand rates.
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In achieving these goals, it is believed that we will be able to move away from using resources that are finite and support a more sustainable economy. However, the biggest issue remains that if we want to adhere to a growth-based economy, then no amount of recycling and reusing will make it possible to meet the demand, resulting in the need for a change in consumer and economic attitudes.
How Manufacturers Are Shifting Paradigms
The good news is that many product-level manufacturers are working to both reduce the impact an item has on the environment as well as create more durable and versatile products that can be used for a long time. To do this, each manufacturer has had to consider the ease of repairing items, finding ways to refurbish items, offering recycling potential, and even creating a system in which parts can be harvested and reused.
One of the key players in this mission is the slow fashion industry that aims to educate consumers on the dangers of fast fashion and how to make a strong environmental impact without having to compromise on individual style needs and goals. Many of these slow fashion businesses are also working to reduce the waste that fast fashion is creating by-products that are high-quality, long-lasting, and show consumers what they have been missing out on when they buy items that are on-trend or excessively cheap.
Another area that shows genuine waste reduction potential is 3D printing. Not only does it use less energy when creating products, but it offers the potential of creating parts and objects that cannot be made or sourced without using less sustainable methods. The other great thing about 3D printing services is that the products and parts that they make often weigh less and therefore offer savings in C02 emissions as well as transport costs.
Can a Circular Economy Completely Replace a Growth Economy?
Whilst there are skeptics and supporters for both circularity and grow-based economies, many people question the ability of a circular economy to survive on its own. Many circular systems are only currently operating on a small scale, and being able to scale up that service without making use of finite resources can appear to be a challenge that is unable to be achieved at the current time, especially with the rise of consumer demand in specific areas.
Where it is possible to find the materials needed to create products in a circular system, the next challenge that companies face is accessing enough renewable energy to meet demand. More companies are committing to using renewable energy sources in manufacturing, but it is also important to consider the energy used in making materials before they arrive ready for use.
Finding a Harmonious Solution
The potential to run out of finite resources is well accepted, and so offering a new system that can offer new innovation and sustainability is a need that is well documented and urgent. As more of us look towards a more sustainable existence, the popularity of a circular economy grows, and whilst it seems unlikely that it can yet exist as a sole economy, it does not mean that it cannot bring value and improvements to the planet.
In an ideal world, consumers need to be better educated on the economy they are paying into, and the systems in which products are made and services are delivered. It is with this education and a new circular economic system in place that real change will be achieved and environmental goals met.
