If, as the World Economic Forum estimates, there is a potential $1tn to be saved by businesses adopting the circular economy model, why are so few really moving away from the old “take, make and dispose” model?
There are examples of businesses moving to repurposing waste instead of sending it to landfill or recycling, and of companies leasing services rather than selling products. Dell is creating computer components for easy removal and replacement, clothes company Patagonia set up the first multi-seller branded store on eBay for customers to sell their old Patagonia items, and Dutch company Mud Jeans is leasing rather than selling its denim for a monthly fee.
But for many companies, complex supply chains, a lack of information or knowledge, or a lack of consumer demand mean that embedding circular economy principles is not very high on the priority list.
How can these attitudes be changed and circular economy thinking be brought into the business mainstream?
Join the experts for a live chat
Join us on Friday 7 November at 2pm GMT for a live chat with a panel of experts to discuss scaling up circular economy.
Topics the panel will explore, among others, include:
- Real examples of how companies are already moving from recycling to repurposing waste and water and how it’s making a difference to their business.
- What is the best way of communicating the business benefits of circular economy business models?
- What is the role of national legislation in getting more companies to think circular?
- How can companies have a role in embedding circular principles from the point of design?
- What role is there for certification?
- Do businesses have a responsibility to educate clients and consumers on circular economy principles?
- How can smaller businesses get on board? A recent survey found that 50% of SMEs hadn’t heard of the circular economy and a quarter didn’t understand the concept.
Panel
Rob Boogaard, acting president and CEO of Interface EMEA
Liz Goodwin, CEO of Wrap
Estelle Brachlianoff, senior executive vice-president of Veolia UK and Ireland
Get involved
The live chat is completely text based and will take place on this page in the comments section below, kicking off on Friday 7 November 2pm BST. You can submit any questions in advance by tweeting them to @GuardianSustBiz using #askGSB or using the form below and we’ll put them to the panel on the day.
Read more like this:
- Five countries moving ahead of the pack on circular economy legislation
- Brought to you by Veolia: Circular economy in action: mining metals from street sweepings and making plastic from sewage
The rethinking resources series is funded by Veolia. All content is editorially independent except for pieces labelled advertisement feature. Find out more here.
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