The UK, like every other country, currently has a traditional linear economy which follows a ‘take-make-dispose’ structure. A circular economy has been brandished around as a pipedream for a while now, but as more of us are changing our consumption habits and swapping to sustainable, the idea is no longer just that, and instead is starting to take physical form.
So, first things first:
What Is A Circular Economy?
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation states “a circular economy is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems.” Which, put simply, means that a circular economy cuts out material waste by constantly reusing products and packaging, and therefore protecting the planet.
Unlike the traditional ‘take-make-dispose’ economy, a circular economy focuses on changing the throw-away culture we’ve all adopted, and instead encouraging the adoption of reusable solutions which have longevity guaranteed.
Why Do We Need A Circular Economy?
Other than throwing away less and using less natural resources just sounding like good ideas, the fact of the matter is we simply can’t continue on the same consumption path as we’re on at the moment; there would be no planet left.
Whilst a lot of brands are trying to reduce the amount of plastic they’re using in their packaging, the issue arises once the customer has finished with it, as it’ll most likely end up in the bin, regardless of its recyclability. This obviously can’t continue, and whilst there are some instances where paper and cardboard based solutions can be implemented instead, they’re obviously not going to work for liquid based products. Plastic has always been the only option here, until now. More of us are using reusable water bottles and coffee cups, which is reducing our reliance on single use plastics, so why should it stop there? Why shouldn’t it include milk bottles, shampoo bottles, and other toiletries and beauty products? Particularly as so many of us can never be bothered to rinse these types of empties out despite them being fully recyclable, and they tend to go straight in the bin.
Brands swapping out recyclable packaging for reusable packaging would be hugely beneficial for the environment, and it’s simpler than you may think as it’s already happening in the US and France through Loop.
In a nutshell, Loop allows brands and consumers to eradicate single use plastics from their usual products and instead replace them with reusable metal containers which are delivered and collected from your front door. Loads of popular brands have signed up too so it gives even more of a reason to give it a go. Loop was due to launch in the UK in select Tesco stores in March 2020, but this has been delayed due to Covid-19.
Without a doubt, Loop and other similar circular initiatives would revolutionise the way we shop and consume products.
Benefits Of A Circular Economy
As mentioned above, a circular economy would have huge environmental benefits; if adopted now it would halve carbon emissions by 2030, and the UK could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 7.4 million tonnes per annum. But it doesn’t just stop with the planet. By using reusable packaging which your customers have to return to you, you’re likely to see increased customer retention rates and therefore significantly higher customer lifetime value. Going from a linear take-make-waste economy to a circular economy would offer huge material cost savings too; for fast moving consumer goods, such as cleaning products, a circular economy could mean a material cost-saving potential of up to $700 billion globally.
What’s Stopping A Circular Economy From Happening Now?
Changing from a linear to circular economy is no mean feat; every product selling business would have to change just about everything to do with how they operate. Without a doubt, it would be worth it in the long run and as much as everyone would like to see it in place; it’s not something which can or will happen quickly or easily.
The consumable space is absolutely the right place to start for circular economy ideologies to be implemented, but even that isn’t straightforward. Initiatives like Loop are making this solution more attainable, but it’s currently only really viable for large, established brands, and not an option so far for small businesses.
And even with the manufacturers and sellers of these products, that’s only half of the battle as the impetus is still with consumers to change their attitude and behavior. It would certainly take some getting used to, and as we’re all creatures of habit, it would take a serious amount of time to see it adopted on a mass scale.
As it seems there is more of a shift towards sustainable practices in consumer behaviour, I do think a circular economy is achievable, but there’s not a clear or simple path to get there just yet. This of course isn’t an excuse for it to not happen, but I believe that is the main resistance to change of this scale. Authorities, people with power, governments, and the like won’t implement any such measures unless there’s enough evidence and people pushing for it. Small scale trials such as Loop will give us an indication for how consumers react to such a change and the efficacy of it being rolled out on a larger scale in the future, but it may be a while off yet. But when it does happen, the environmental and economical benefits will be felt on a global scale. After all, nothing worth having comes easy.
So, what do you think? If you’re a business owner, what changes would you have to make to see a circular economy become reality? As a consumer, would you change your habits and go for a reusable, subscription type method for products you normally use? Let us know!
Ask The Experts
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