FuturePlus’ Post

Can a systems approach unlock the value of waste in cities across the U.S.? We believe it can. Establishing solid collection and #recycling methods to capture used materials at scale is one aspect of a materials ecosystem for waste transformation. Dive into Colleen Litkenhaus Tague's WRLDCTY takeaways in Sustainable Brands.

My spectacularly talented colleague Kori Goldberg has a new article out for GreenBiz Group today on local circular economy initiatives in Chicago. She talked 3 amazing founders; Eva Bugg (REUSO), Lily Wang (Demi Composting) and Garry Cooper (Rheaply) about their companies and their place in the Chicago business landscape. https://shorturl.at/bckGZ 🗒 Side note: They will all be at #Circularity24! Register at https://shorturl.at/ktKQ5 today before rates go up tomorrow. (Use code C24SM10 for a 10% discount) See a bit of that story and a bonus Q&A that didn't make it into the story below... 👇 -------------------- How do you see the circular economy landscape evolving in Chicago specifically? Cooper: There are over 144 million square feet of building spaces [in Chicago]. Unused office furniture, out-of-date lab equipment, and other forgotten building materials collecting dust must find new homes as the clock is ticking on landfill capacity. Bugg: There are 22 million pounds of plastic entering our Great Lakes on an annual basis. We are seeing the effects in our waterways and our landfills are reaching capacity in the next decade. As Chicago begins to run out of space for our waste, alternative reuse solutions are having the spotlight turned on them. Now is our time to shine and keep our city clean. Wang: It’s growing. People always point to the coasts but there is so much happening in Chicago. From initiatives like compost drop-off sites and anaerobic digesters to startups like Rheaply, Mycocycle, and Kadeya — I’m excited to be part of the circular future here in Chicago. Is there anything specific you're looking forward to or hoping to gain from attending the conference? Cooper: Yes! I’m very excited for the Building Forum and the focus around product design, manufacturing, reverse logistics, and building a thriving circular ecosystem.  Bugg: I’m looking forward to connecting with those launching circular solutions in other cities and hearing what has worked and what hasn’t for them. Circular solutions are not a one size fits all approach and learning as much as possible about what has been done to-date in different regions and industries is helpful and motivating. Wang: Meeting and learning from the greatest minds in the circular economy!  As a first-time founder in the space, it’s incredible to have the chance to be in the same room and speak alongside some of my biggest role models.

Cities play a crucial role in advancing circular economy innovations. "Whenever public institutions acquire products and services, they should always consider their optimal use throughout their lifetime." This approach is pivotal for sustainability. From recycling initiatives to sustainable procurement, cities can lead the way to a greener future. Let's support their pivotal role in driving systemic change towards sustainability! 🌍💡 Read more about how cities can champion the circular economy: https://lnkd.in/gcg4w2Zn #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #UrbanInnovation

With so many of our clients in manufacturing the circular conversation is at the top of our list. What are you doing in your business or your home to be more resourceful with your existing resources? #sustainability #circulareconomy #nomorelandfill

The circular economy is becoming more important in our daily lives, and it’s something that’s even taught in schools today. Making the most of the raw materials we already have just makes sense - appreciating and reusing what we’ve already created. Pääkaupunkiseudun Kierrätyskeskus Oy / Helsinki Metropolitan Area Reuse Centre Ltd has been operating within the circular economy since 1990. I had the opportunity to interview them about their operations and how EKOenergy ecolabel fits into that picture. You can read the full discussion here: https://lnkd.in/dWMZDmBx As you read, consider: - What are the most effective tactics for changing behavior towards sustainability? - At what point does the circular economy begin in our everyday lives? - How does our current production and consumption model challenge sustainability efforts? - What is the market position of climate-neutral or fossil-free energy, and why doing more makes sense?

Working at Storopack, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to balance protection with environmental responsibility. That’s why I’m excited to share our AIRplus® range - packaging solutions that don’t just protect products but also take care of the planet. Sustainable packaging options: For customers looking to make eco-friendly choices, our AIRplus® 100% Recycled and AIRplus® Bio Home Compostable are excellent options. These air cushions aren’t just about providing protection - they’re about reducing our environmental impact. We’ve invested in innovative manufacturing and optimized logistics to cut CO2 emissions. Our customers can feel good about their packaging decisions. Certified quality: What makes AIRplus® stand out is the quality and the certifications that back it. With TÜV Austria certification for home and garden compostability and RecyClass certification for 100% recycled material, these solutions are designed to meet the highest standards, ensuring that our customers receive top-tier protection while contributing to a more sustainable future. Designed for efficiency: AIRplus® is not just sustainable; it’s smartly designed. The system ensures consistent quality while making the most efficient use of raw materials. The on-demand system is a big plus for our customers - it reduces the need for storage space and integrates smoothly into any packing station. And when it comes to disposal, it’s as simple as a single cut, leaving only empty film behind

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘀𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗲: Infigo-𝗲𝗰𝗼 Did you know that approximately 14.1% of the deforestation that takes place in the world is due to the print industry and demand for paper products? And the latest data shows that we’re destroying an average of 28 million hectares every year. That’s one football field of forest lost every single second, around the clock.

The concept of Sydney's circular economy, as outlined in the article, perfectly aligns with the principles discussed in our book *Circular Economy 101*. The circular economy is more than just a trend—it's a shift in mindset that encourages rethinking how we consume, share, and prolong the life of products. Whether it’s through buying second-hand clothes, borrowing library books, or using shared resources like e-bikes, every small action contributes to a larger movement towards sustainability. Our book dives deeper into these concepts, offering practical insights and real-world examples of how adopting circular economy practices can yield not only environmental and social benefits but also significant financial advantages. It's about making the most of what we have and fostering a more sustainable future for all. https://lnkd.in/d4Dm3HYy #GreenEconomy #CircularEconomy101

What’s on your sustainability agenda for 2024?   Setting your targets can feel like a lot of work, but there are simple steps that you can take right now. Look around you. Do you have valuable surplus equipment sitting idle, that you could give a new lease of life?   Our reuse experts are here to help – Ramco has more than 27 years of experience in extending product lifecycles, finding new homes for valuable but unwanted equipment and contributing to the circular economy.    Read more about how to become a more sustainable business in this article featuring Ramco in the Sustainable Business Magazine: https://lnkd.in/eTB4wZn3   Any questions for us? Pop us a message via LinkedIn or reach out to us via https://lnkd.in/eVEKVsDm

Consider closing out #EarthMonth with TerraCycle: The #Trenton-based company takes a multi-pronged approach in its efforts to advance a circular economy that includes "Recycling the Unrecyclable," utilizing recycled materials, reusing items and innovating with waste. “[W]e tend to be more in the thesis of demonstrating #profitability and then reinvest everything back into the organization,” CEO Tom Szaky explained. “So, we’re not here to maximize profitability, but we believe profit is an indication of health. If you’re not profitable, you will go away at some point.” #recycling #reuse #wastemanagement #njbased #trenton