Ever wondered how we can make our world more sustainable? The circular economy in supply chains and logistics might be the answer. This innovative approach is transforming how we at Unipart Logistics support our customers to produce, use, and dispose of goods sustainably. We look at how this concept is creating a greener future and why it matters.
Have you ever wondered what happens to all the stuff we buy after we’re done with it? Most of the time, it ends up in landfills, contributing to a growing waste problem. But what if there was a better way? At Unipart Logistics, we think the answer lies in the circular economy – a game-changing approach that’s revolutionising how we think about supply chains and logistics.
What is a circular economy?
The UN predicts that global waste will grow from 2.3 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050.
Most current systems follow a “take-make-dispose” model to goods. On the whole, we extract raw materials, make products, use them, and then throw them away. This linear economy is causing serious environmental issues. The UN predicts that global waste will grow from 2.3 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 20501.
The circular economy offers a solution. Instead of throwing things away, we design products to be reused, repaired, or recycled. This keeps materials in use for longer, reducing waste and the need for new resources.
The European Parliament2 explains, “In practice, it [circular economy] implies reducing waste to a minimum. When a product reaches the end of its life, its materials are kept within the economy wherever possible thanks to recycling. These can be productively used again and again, thereby creating further value.”
How does it work in supply chain and logistics?
Supply chains and logistics are all about getting products from manufacturers to consumers. Circular economy practices in supply chain and logistics include the 4Rs:
- Reduce: Creating products that use fewer resources and last longer.
- Resell: Setting up systems to sell used products.
- Repair: Making it easier to fix products instead of replacing them.
- Recycle: Ensuring materials can be recycled into new products.
Image: The circular economy model
Why should we care?
The circular economy isn’t just good for the planet – it’s also creating opportunities for the future. Here’s why it matters:
Job opportunities: As companies adopt circular practices, they’ll need people with new skills. The European Parliament estimates that the circular economy could create 700,000 jobs in the EU by 2030!
Innovation: Circular thinking drives creativity. From designing products that are easy to repair to creating new recycling technologies, there’s plenty of room for fresh ideas.
Fighting climate change: By reducing the need for new materials and energy-intensive manufacturing, the circular economy could cut global greenhouse gas emissions by 39%3. That’s huge for tackling climate change!
Saving resources: Did you know that only 7.2% of the 100 billion tons of virgin materials we extract from the earth each year make it back into the economy4? A circular approach could reduce material consumption by one-third, helping preserve our planet’s resources.
Consumer power: As more people learn about the circular economy, they’re choosing to support businesses that are environmentally responsible. Your choices as a consumer can drive positive change!
What is Unipart Logistics doing to support the circular economy?
The circular economy in supply chains and logistics is more than just a trend – it’s a necessary shift towards a more sustainable future.
Supply chain and logistics companies are already embracing circular principles, and at Unipart Logistics, we have worked with companies to:
- Cover the entire lifecycle of portable electronic products, aiming to maximise asset value and circularity
- Play an important role in the company’s handset trade-in process, grading, screening, and repair ahead of disposition and resale
- Identify and remove single-use plastics from all operations – eliminating 127 tonnes from the supply chain for just one customer
- Develop a sustainable packaging solution, to help remove those single-use plastics
- Achieve zero to landfill for our customers
- Use fully electric trucks to drive down environmental impact
Challenges and opportunities
Whilst the work we are already doing is a great start, the UK government has set ambitious targets to achieve zero avoidable waste by 2050 and eliminate avoidable plastic waste by the end of 20425.
Implementing a circular economy isn’t easy. It requires rethinking how we design, use and re-use products alongside changing consumer habits, and creating new systems for collecting and processing used goods. But these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and leadership, especially in supply chain and logistics!
Your role in the circular economy
We all have the power to shape the future and be more environmentally conscious. Here’s how you can get involved in circular economy practices:
- Learn more about circular economy principles and share your knowledge with others.
- Support businesses that embrace circular practices.
- Repair and reuse items when possible, instead of buying new ones.
- Consider a career in fields that support the circular economy, like sustainable design or green logistics.
The circular economy in supply chains and logistics is more than just a trend – it’s a necessary shift towards a more sustainable future. By understanding and supporting these principles, you’re helping to create a world that’s not only more efficient but also kinder to our planet. So, are you ready to join the circular revolution?
Unipart Logistics
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