Circular Economy Means Business

Prior to the emergence of the novel coronavirus outbreak, the recycled plastics industry had been making significant progress in its journey to end plastic waste. It was seeing positive results from high consumer and regulatory pressure on brands worldwide to improve their commitments to sustainability. Private companies, non-profit organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were all campaigning actively to increase consumer awareness of recycling and sustainability across the value chain. The message was finally getting through at a basic level, setting the stage for a fundamental shift in public attitudes. For example, consumers began rejecting single-use plastics such as drinking cups, straws and cutlery when they purchased take-away food; some vendors even offered incentives to customers who brought their own cups.

Josoor Institute, the training and education arm of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), recently held a new webinar focused on the circular economy – an economic approach aimed at minimising waste. Moderated by Orjan Lundberg, Sustainability & Environmental Expert at the SC, speakers discussed different strategies and best practices in implementing sustainable practices in relation to supply chain and waste management in the planning of large events held in urban settings. Alexandre Hedjazi, Director of the Global Environmental Policy Programme at the University of Geneva, emphasised the role urgency plays in encouraging event planners to unlock innovative solutions. In particular, he discussed initiatives that addressed challenges related to providing sustainable critical infrastructures during a large event while ensuring their long-term legacy afterwards.

Sustainability is as important to Volvo Cars as safety. By working towards climate-neutrality, embracing the circular economy and conducting our business operations responsibly, we help protect the planet and contribute to a fairer society.
Climate-neutral manufacturing – We aim to have climate-neutral manufacturing operations by 2025. Already today our global plants are powered by over 80 per cent climate-neutral electricity. Since 2008, all our European plants have been running on hydro-electric power.
Working with suppliers – Reducing emissions in our supply chain is critical to reaching our climate target. We are encouraging our top suppliers to use 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025 and to develop a more circular approach to materials.