Today we are based on a Linear Economy, considering that the demand for products is constant and so is their production. This model assumes that natural and energy resources are infinite.
The LINEAR ECONOMY model can be represented as follows: Extract resources → Manufacture → Consume → Dispose (end-of-life).The Circular Economy concept, on the other hand, recognizes that natural resources are not infinite and that a new manufacturing/consumption model is needed. Fortunately, more and more companies are recognizing that this is the case and steps are being taken to incorporate this model into the industry.
The CIRCULAR ECONOMY model, as follows: Manufacture (with Recycled Material) → Consume → End of Life → Repair, Re-use, Recycle → Re-start the cycle.It is very important to implement the repair, re-use and recycle stage in today's consumption patterns. Repairing is a rational practice but it is increasingly in disuse. Re-use is something that to some extent is being implemented in the market, such as returnable packaging. Recycling is perhaps the most important step and the one that is least applied at present; it is on this point that more emphasis should be placed.
If I recycle packaging, I do not necessarily have to make packaging again. It is possible that this recycled material may become, for example, fence posts, urban furniture for parks, plastic pallets for industry, or many other products.
But it is important to maintain a closed-cycle production system in which companies reincorporate the recycled material in the production stage.
It is also important that these wastes are transformed into resources to benefit society and the environment:
Creating jobs → Social Benefit
Creating business → Economic Benefit
Caring for the Environment → Environmental Benefit