Plastics play an important role in our society.
They are light-weight, durable, practical and versatile.
However, plastics are under the spotlight as litter and pollution threaten our natural eco-systems and consumer demands change. The global plastics value chain is currently not sustainable, and things are changing fast!
The principle of Extended Producer Responsibility is being widely legislated by governments around the world, and there is huge pressure for the plastics industry to broaden stewardship in the expanded value chain. This process is being accelerated by an unprecedented social movement.
We can’t do away with plastics any time soon – they are fundamental to our lifestyles and our economies. They are also key materials in breakthrough innovative and sustainable technologies.
Circular solutions
The global plastics industry’s response is based around CIRCULARITY, and some of the most powerful unions, NGOs and corporate networks are endorsing and vigorously promoting this economic model.
The circular economy looks beyond the current take-make-waste extractive model, decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources and ‘designing waste out of the system’.
It is based on three principles:
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Design out waste and pollution
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Keep products and materials in use
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Regenerate natural systems
What does this mean for your business?
Whether your business is a primary or secondary consumer of plastics, there is now increasing pressure to understand, align with and adopt certain circular economy principles and practices.
Global and regional frameworks are being recognised and adopted by businesses as they wish to remain relevant and manage risks of compliance or social license to operate.
Organisations and programmes such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (The New Plastics Economy Global Commitment), The Alliance to End Plastic Waste, the Plastic Pollution Coalition and others, are providing great roadmaps to circularity, however for some businesses there is now even more confusion.
Manufacturing and reporting standards are also being adjusted to be more applicable in the circularity context, adding further to the complexity.
Circular Economy Workshop and Training - click for further information
Taking the first step
it is important for business to embark on a journey of discovery, alignment and adjustment. The extent of the journey will vary depending on the nature and context of the business.
GSA Campbell provides strategy and sustainability advisory and reporting solutions that are aligned with leading circular economy practices, principles and standards. Our objective is to simplify complexity, and to co-create immediately implementable and credible solutions, for all kinds of organisations.
Our CircularIQ offering is highly relevant for small and large businesses that are consuming plastic raw materials or packaging. The CircularIQ approach scans the business and its context using key strategic and circular lenses, highlighting gaps that should, or could be closed.
After the scan, clients can elect to engage more deeply to close important gaps, or to explore innovative alternatives using a collaborative design thinking approach.
CircularIQ scans cover various key focus areas, using in-person or online workshops, interviews and surveys. The approach is easy and fast, with very little impact on executive time resources:
The CircularIQ Approach:
Value chain
Impacts and issues in the expanded value chain
Business model
Current and potential value propositions, key business inputs and activities
Regional and regulatory context
Current and emerging regional government, economic, industry and social forces
Alignment opportunities
The most applicable and relevant industry frameworks, standards and benchmarks
Product or materials life cycle analysis (LCA)
LCA scan – potential concerns and circular opportunities and narratives
Reporting and stakeholder engagement
Value creation, circular indicators, stakeholder gaps and opportunities
Strategy
Opportunities for differentiation, business approach and reputation
The CircularIQ process is also educational for participants, who benefit from applied learning on various topics such as:
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Raw materials, and critical materials
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How a company’s business model can enable circularity
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Circular business model planning
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Potential impacts of the business model
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Policies that can help upscale circularity
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Circular benefits of Scope 3 GHG emissions management
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The value creation reporting narrative
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Industry leadership approach
How will your business be affected by the emerging plastics industry forces?
What quick wins should you target to remain in touch with the changing landscape?
Click below to take a next step:
Download Circular IQ Promo
CircularIQ solutions are offered in:
The United Kingdom, Europe, Southern Africa and the United States
Acknowledgements:
https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/concept
https://www.plasticseurope.org/en
https://www.flickr.com/photos/balazsgardi/6172948517/in/dateposted/