Jennifer Gerholdt’s recent article on the World Economic Forum website highlights four businesses that are finding value in the circular economy. The circular economy is an economic model focused on designing and manufacturing products, components and materials for reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling.

The four companies featured in this article are part of report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center that will be released in June.

• Aramark, a food services provider, uses LeanPath to set standards for ordering, receiving, producing, serving, and tracking food production. Having set a goal to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, Aramark has already done groundbreaking work by reducing 44% (479 tons) of its organic waste across 161 sites.
• Eileen Fisher, a women’s clothing line, initiated Green Eileen, a take-back program for its employees and customers to bring back unwanted Eileen Fisher clothing for $5 store credit per piece. The clothing line also launched Fisher Found with a goal to reach 100% circularity through reselling, renewing, and remaking all of their manufactured garments.
• Computer chip manufacturing conglomerate Intel, already recycles 75% of their total operational waste, and has a goal to recycle 90% of their non-hazardous waste and divert 100% of their hazardous waste from landfills/incinerators. Their copper recovery program captures copper from aqueous waste for reuse in other industrial or commercial applications.
• Johnson Controls, which produces automotive batteries, has designed batteries that are 99% reusable. The company has a circular supply chain, which allows customers to return automotive batteries, resulting in a 99% recycling rate across North America, Brazil, and Europe.

“Re-thinking Progress” video from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation video provides an overview of the circular economy concept.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts assists businesses and institutions with waste prevention, reuse, recycling, and food waste diversion. To speak to a recycling expert, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.