Néolithe - blog : Understanding the circular economy

Circular economy :

With mass consumption, waste production has become a real ecological challenge. Every day, millions of tonnes of waste are generated by households, businesses and industries, putting waste management systems and our planet’s natural resources to the test. In response to this observation, the term circular economy was coined in the 1970s.

Is the circular economy a model for the future ?

The circular economy has become a global challenge for the future of our planet. Faced with the excessive exploitation of natural resources, it has become imperative to rethink our modes of production and consumption. The circular economy offers an inescapable solution to environmental challenges, by promoting a model that aims to reduce waste, preserve resources and establish more sustainable economic systems that respect our planet’s biocapacities.

Why conserve resources and reduce waste ?

The traditional « linear » production model consists of extracting, transforming, using and disposing of raw materials in the form of waste. This contrasts with the circular economy, which aims to create a continuous cycle in which materials and products are reused, repaired and recycled.

Did you know ?

The circular economy is one of the objectives of the energy and ecological transition, and one of the commitments of sustainable development. It is based on 7 key phases, namely the 3Es (Economy, Ecology, Equity) and the 4Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover).

Let’s take an example : the design of a bag

Use of sustainable materials

Thoughtful design

Efficient production

Sales selection

End of life

Use of sustainable materials

Initially, sustainable materials such as certified organic cotton or recycled fibers are chosen, sourced from suppliers committed to responsible extraction and exploitation practices. This approach aims to limit environmental impacts right from the initial production phase.

Thoughtful design

In terms of ecological design, the process is optimized to reduce production waste and uses environmentally-friendly dyes, facilitating efficient recycling of the bag at the end of its life.

Efficient production

Integration into a local industrial ecology not only minimizes waste, but also enables fabric offcuts to be recovered and reused, for more efficient local resource management.

Sales selection

What’s more, the bag will be offered on a rental rather than a sale basis, promoting the economy of functionality where product use takes precedence over ownership, thus extending its useful life and reducing demand for new products.

Consumers are transparently informed about the bag’s ecological footprint, helping them to make responsible purchasing choices in line with their environmental values.

End of life

Finally, the bag is designed to be repairable and recyclable, with programs dedicated to the repair and recycling of end-of-life materials, supporting a complete and sustainable product life cycle. This model demonstrates how the circular economy can be practically applied to maximize the efficient use of resources while minimizing environmental impact.

Adopting the circular economy requires the commitment of all economic players, from manufacturers and suppliers to consumers, repairers and retailers. It’s global thinking that requires close collaboration between all stakeholders to respect the various pillars of the circular economy.

The circular economy : a benefit for all ?

The implementation of the circular economy has many advantages and positive impacts on different aspects of our society. It encourages reuse, repair and recycling to reduce pressure on natural resources. It reduces dependence on virgin resources, preserving fragile ecosystems and limiting the depletion of non-renewable resources.

This new approach helps to create local, sustainable jobs. By encouraging repair and remanufacturing, it enables the emergence of new industries and professions. For example, Work Assistance Centers for People with Disabilities play a crucial role in integrating people with disabilities into the recycling and repair processes, this offering inclusive and rewarding employment opportunities. Jobs in recycling, sustainable product design and waste management are growing significantly, providing economic opportunities for many communities.

Finally, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions and waste production, and reduce the effects of climate change. By avoiding incineration and landfill, it helps reduce air pollution and CO2 emissions, while minimizing environmental risks.

But there are also challenges to consider for the future !

Despite its many advantages, the circular economy faces some major challenges. These include the need for significant investment in the industrial methods, technology and infrastructure required to support this transition. But also a change in consumer mentality is needed to encourage the adoption of more sustainable consumption behaviors. However, promising solutions are emerging, such as local initiatives and collaboration between players in the value chain.

The circular economy represents an essential change to ensure a sustainable future. By adopting this model, we can create a more resilient, prosperous and environmentally friendly society. To realize its full potential, it is crucial that governments, businesses and citizens commit fully to this transition to a circular economy.