By Equipe de Redação
Posted in January 13, 2023
The circular economy is a way of treating, thinking about and caring for the manufacture, use of goods and natural resources with restorative and regenerative objectives by design. Its intention is to generate products whose life cycle has less impact on the environment and society and is longer lasting.
That is, circular economy is an economic model that seeks to promote the reuse and recycling of products and materials, in order to reduce the consumption of natural resources and reduce the production of waste. The aim of the circular economy is to create a more sustainable production and consumption system that is less dependent on finite resource sources such as oil or aluminum.
The application of the circular economy in practice can involve changes in production processes, selection of raw materials, product design, or even the concepts of the 3-R: Reduce; Reuse and Recycle.
Evidently, the circular economy considers other issues related to sustainability, such as impacts on atmospheric emissions, disposal of effluents and other critical issues that affect climate change and biodiversity conservation.
Therefore, the reuse of materials and water resources; the use of alternative energy matrices are part of thinking and applying the circular economy to business.
The circular economy also takes care of the responsibility of manufacturers and distributors with waste products and post-consumer packaging. It is one of the most important aspects of the circular economy that requires investments throughout the production and logistics chain so that waste or products return to the circular system.
At a global level, support for the circular economy and the vision of opportunities in this system is increasing, the World Economic Forum has developed initiatives such as the Pace or Circular Economy Acceleration Platform, launched in 2017 and which brings together leaders from the public and private sectors to make commitments and accelerate collective action towards the circular economy.
In Brazil, although many companies and businesses adopt the culture of the circular economy, there is still a long way to go to maintain this thinking that is born in Brazil today.
In addition, it is clear that the large industries that are usually part of sectors that need to take circularity actions under the rules in force were the ones that made the most progress in the circular economy, with plenty of room for medium and small companies to be benefited by the economic and social return on a voluntary basis.
Considering the impacts and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to the circular economy, we can mention some of them, which somehow alternate and are integrated into the internal process of companies, their culture and their value chain.
SDG 1 – Eradication of poverty and SDG 2 – Zero hunger and sustainable agriculture – considering that the value chain in circular thinking must consider the selection of suppliers that strengthen the local economy, reduce impacts and logistics and also encourage the development of suppliers as a cooperative
SDG 3 – Health and well-being and SDG 6 – Drinking water and sanitation – through the pillar of reducing the environmental impact, including the generation of effluents and disposal of solid waste, which consequently promote health and well-being.
SDG 8 – Decent work and economic growth; SDG 10 – Reduction of inequalities and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities – for encouraging a selection of suppliers that work in a circular ecosystem, creating opportunities for local companies and cooperatives and training suppliers that work within this culture.
SDG 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure and SDG 12 – Responsible consumption and production – as they are at the heart of circular economy thinking, dividing the impact of production throughout the chain, and encouraging investments and innovations that increase the life cycle of products .
SDG 7 – Clean and affordable energy; SDG 13 – Action against global climate change – since the circular economy encourages the use of renewable natural resources, alternative energy matrices with less environmental impact, in addition to planned production processes.
SDG 14 – Life in the water and SDG 15 – Life on land – since the idea of the circular economy considers the reduction in the use of natural resources and the least impact on the environment.
How do Green Stamps help in the circular economy?
Green seals are certifications that indicate that a product or service is environmentally responsible. There are many different green labels, each with its own standards and evaluation criteria. Some examples of green labels include the European Union Green Label, the United States Sustainable Design Council Green Label, and the Japan Environmental Certification Board Green Label.
Green labels can be used to help consumers identify products and services that are more sustainable and make more informed purchasing decisions. They can also encourage companies to adopt more sustainable practices and invest in environmental innovations.
What about Ambipar Certification?
Accredited as a Certification Body (OCP) by the General Coordination of Accreditation (CGRE) of Inmetro, Ambipar Certification will grant the Green Seal. This seal attests that the company has complied with the legislation — including the requirements of the National Policy on Solid Waste (PNRS) — and that it may have waste recovery and circular economy practices.
Thus, the Green Seal adds more value to the business and helps organizations achieve regularity and excellence in their management. The certification qualifies the companies audited for Zero Landfill and Circular Economy practices, confirming their excellence and commitment to the environment and sustainability.
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