What is Circularity? Green Arrow

A circular economy – sometimes called circularity – is an economic system that is intentionally restorative and regenerative. The principles are simple. Do more with less. Be more efficient with the resources you have. Reduce waste. Reuse wherever possible.

Within circular systems, businesses and consumers reuse, share, repair, refurbish, remanufacture and recycle to create a closed-loop system. In doing so, they minimize the use of resources and waste creation, pollution and carbon emissions. But the objective is not only to create improved sustainability, but to enable economic growth by turning waste into valuable materials that can be resold and reused.

Linear Economy vs Circular Economy

The current dominating economic structure around the world is very linear: take, make, use, discard. But with rapid climate change and a volatile world economy, we have to consider changing the current status quo. Our business model is based on circularity. The technology we now have at our disposal could transform the entire supply chain. It’s no secret that the manufacturing process of new IT equipment is simply not sustainable at current rates. The global IT industry accounts for approximately 2% of global CO2 emissions – a figure equivalent to that of the aviation industry. Added to that is the fact that, currently, Information & Communications Technology (ICT) is the fastest growing sector of energy consumption.

In a circular economy it is essential that products and materials are kept in use, while anything that can’t be recycled or re-purposed. Further steps should be taken to eliminate as much waste and pollution from any process as possible. Japan and Denmark have become prime examples of countries who have adopted the circular model with success.

The Tokyo 2020 Medal Project

 

The Tokyo Olympic Games will take place from 24 July to 9 August this year. A simple example of successful circularity are the medals for the event. The Tokyo 2020 Medal Project was a drive to encourage Japanese citizens to donate old electronic devices for recycling. 100% of the metals required to manufacture the nearly 5000 individual gold, silver and bronze medals was extracted from the nearly 78,985 tons of donated devices. Remarkably, 90% of the municipalities in Japan participated – Japanese citizens were fully invested across the board. Circular economies need the commitment of ordinary people too – businesses cannot practice circularity without public investment.

Is a Circular Economy viable long term?

Recently The World Economic Forum published an article which said: “The two Towards the Circular Economy reports published by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation provide ample evidence that circularity has started to make inroads into the linear economy and has moved beyond proof of concept.” A large number of businesses have already adopted the model and are thriving. They have been challenged to be more innovative and creative in every aspect.

At C2KIT we offer an exceptionally viable solution for you to be part of a more sustainable circular economy. We only supply remanufactured and refurbished computers and laptops. They have been restored to #JustLikeNew in a thorough process. There is no compromise in performance or delivery. And your capital outlay will be substantially less. Are you ready to join the circular economy?