The Journey of Plastics from a Linear to a Circular Economy Model
(Source Credits: Green Mantra Technologies)
For decades, plastics have been central to modern manufacturing due to their versatility, durability, and affordability. From packaging to construction, plastic has replaced traditional materials in almost every sector. However, this “wonder material” has also become one of the largest sources of environmental degradation due to our reliance on a linear economy—one that follows the “take, make, dispose” approach.
The result? A growing plastic waste crisis that threatens ecosystems and economies alike.
The Linear Model: Take, Make, Dispose
The linear model of plastics has created an unsustainable cycle. This process typically involves extracting raw materials, manufacturing products, consuming them, and then discarding them as waste. The result is an ever-growing volume of plastic that either accumulates in landfills or pollutes natural environments.
In India, plastic waste accounts for 4-7% of the total waste in landfills. Shockingly, only 1% of plastic remains in the system after being picked up and recycled. Despite this low recycling rate, plastic waste garners disproportionate attention due to its visibility in the waste stream, often overshadowing other pressing issues. However, this visibility is precisely why we must prioritise systemic solutions for managing plastic waste.
The Circular Model: A Better Alternative
(Source Credits: Green Yatra)
In recent years, there’s been growing attention on the circular economy—a production model that involves businesses and consumers working together to minimise waste through sharing, lending, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling materials and products. This model offers a stark contrast to the linear model by promoting resource efficiency and sustainable use. The circular model not only eliminates waste but also regenerates resources, turning what is waste for one process into a valuable input for another.
For businesses, a crucial component of enabling consumers to uphold their role in this system is designing products with a longer lifespan. Products built for longevity reduce the need for frequent resource extraction and limit the volume of waste entering the system. This is where plastic, despite its challenges, has immense potential. Through circular practices, plastics can be recycled, reused, and repurposed—keeping them out of landfills and oceans.
Here’s how the circular model operates:
Reducing raw material use: By optimising manufacturing processes and designing products for longevity, businesses can minimise resource extraction.
Reusing products: Encouraging consumers to reuse items extends their life cycle, delaying their entry into the waste stream.
Recycling materials: Instead of sending used plastics to landfills, the circular model promotes recycling, where materials are collected, processed, and turned into new products.
Recovering energy: In cases where recycling isn’t possible, energy recovery from waste can minimise environmental impact, although this should be a last resort.
The goal is to create a system where resources remain in use for as long as possible, waste is minimised, and environmental impact is reduced.
Adopting a circular economy presents numerous advantages. Here’s how:
Economic Growth: Stimulate growth by creating new job opportunities and promoting innovation. By maximising resource use and reducing waste, the circular model boosts GDP and national income while lowering household and industrial expenses.
Substantial Resource Saving: Minimises the extraction of virgin materials, focusing on reusing existing resources. This reduces pressure on natural ecosystems and promotes sustainable development.
Improving Land Productivity and Soil Health: By reducing landfill waste, the circular economy mitigates land pollution and helps restore soil health. When we treat waste as a resource, we protect vital ecosystems that would otherwise suffer from pollution.
Fewer Emissions: Circular practices lead to reduced reliance on fossil fuels and non-renewable resources. This, in turn, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and toxic outputs, contributing to climate change mitigation.
In conclusion, transitioning from a linear to a circular economy is essential for addressing the global plastic waste crisis. By rethinking how we produce, use, and recycle plastics, we can create a more sustainable future that benefits both the environment and society.
At Plastics For Change, we are committed to advancing the circular economy. Our model focuses on creating sustainable supply chains for recycled plastics while improving the livelihoods of waste collectors—the unsung heroes of the recycling industry. Through our partnerships with global brands, we ensure that the recycled plastics used in their products are sourced in an ethical, sustainable, and socially impactful way.
Our work in the circular economy exemplifies how businesses, consumers, and waste collectors can collaborate to create systemic change.
Connect with us to learn how we can help your business adopt a circular model.