In a world increasingly characterized by limited resources and environmental challenges, the concept of a circular future has emerged as an urgent need. The circular economy is the safest way to create a sustainable society.
As a circular economy, we can describe a regenerative system that is using renewable energy sources and also tries to reduce, reuse and recycle raw materials or products. Collaboration and partnerships across various sectors are crucial to achieve this type of economy. In this article, we will point out the importance of collaboration and highlight successful examples of cross-sectoral partnerships that have contributed to fostering the circular economy.
Why Collaboration is so Important in Achieving a Circular Future?
- It allows different sectors to expertise on sustainability, which is vital when addressing resource scarcity. By working together, organizations can find innovative solutions for sourcing, utilizing, and recycling materials. In this way, we can reduce the strain on the planet’s limited sources.
- The environmental advantages of a circular economy are substantial. By collaborating, organizations can work together to reduce waste, pollution, and carbon emissions, leading to a healthier life and a better planet.
- Collaboration can create new job opportunities and ideas in the labor market. Moreover, circular economy practices often lead to the creation of innovative products and services. Organizations will have a chance to compare with successful companies in today’s sustainability-focused marketplace.
- With the outbreak of technology and the adoption of technological achievements, every sector can provide useful knowledge and ideas by sharing them. This may lead to the development of significant solutions as an answer to environmental problems.
The European Commission recently adopted the new circular economy action plan (CEAP), part of the European Green Deal. The new action plans set various initiatives and promote circular economy practices. The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable environment with new job expectations.
Successful Examples in Circular Economy
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation seems to be at the forefront of spreading the circular economy globally. One of its actions is the partnership with Phillips and the creation of a pay-per-lux lighting model. Furthermore, this model allows customers to use the best lighting solution for their needs without owning the hardware. At the end of the contract, costumers can take back Philips lighting to the company that can reuse raw materials.
Auping, a Dutch company that makes beds and mattresses, won the Circular Award Business in 2019, with the development of the Revive mattress, which is fully recyclable. Because in the Netherlands, 1.5 million mattresses are thrown away every year and mattresses are poorly recyclable and most of them are currently incinerated, Auping designed the Revive mattress in collaboration with DSM-Niaga. It is a high-quality mattress of which all materials are suitable for reuse in a new mattress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, collaboration and partnerships are the backbone of a successful circular future. As the world fights with resource scarcity and resource scarcity, organizations across different sectors must work together to create innovative solutions that promote sustainability, minimize waste, and optimize resource use.
The European project CEM for SMEs recognizes the need of a Circular Economy. Thus, it proposes the design of a Circular Economy Manager job profile. That will help to achieve a gradual shift from a linear to a circular economy. A.B. iED Cyprus contributes to the achievement of these objectives, aspiring to a more sustainable world.
