Closing the Loop: The Business Case for Plastic Circularity
By Jessica Patino and Xiaoyang Xia (Scheller Sustainability Fellows and Ambassadors Team ’24)
Introduction
The Plastics Circularity Initiative seeks to transform how businesses across Georgia approach plastic use, disposal, and recycling. Our mission aligns with Drawdown Georgia's broader goals of reducing carbon emissions and fostering a sustainable, circular economy. This booklet serves as a reference for Drawdown GA Business Compact, providing insights into practical, impactful ways to implement plastic circularity within various industries.
Why Focus on Plastics?
Prevalence and Impact: Plastics play a crucial role in modern life but also pose significant environmental challenges, including pollution and high carbon emissions associated with their production, use, and disposal.
Opportunity for Change: Transitioning to a circular model for plastics can significantly reduce their environmental footprint, save costs, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Our Approach
Understanding Current Practices
Collaboration with Compact members to assess current plastic use and recycling capabilities.
Sharing knowledge and practices within industries to enhance collective action.
Research and Innovation
Exploration of circular economy principles specifically tailored for plastics.
Evaluation of current best practices and innovative plastic recycling methodologies.
Implementation Pathways
Waste Reduction: Strategies to minimize plastic use without compromising product quality or customer satisfaction.
Enhanced Recycling: Techniques and technologies to improve the efficiency and scope of plastic recycling.
Material Innovation: Encouragement of biodegradable, compostable, or more easily recyclable plastic alternatives.
Key Strategies
Design for Circularity: Encourage the design of products with end-of-life recycling in mind.
Increase Recycling Rates: Implement policies and practices to enhance the collection and recycling of plastic materials.
Adopt Advanced Recycling Technologies: Explore and invest in chemical recycling and other innovative processes that can handle a wider range of plastics.
Collaborate for Impact: Work across industries and with governmental bodies to create a supportive ecosystem for plastic circularity.
Benefits of Embracing Plastics Circularity
Environmental Conservation: Significant reduction in pollution and resource depletion.
Economic Savings: Lower costs associated with waste management and raw material procurement.
Regulatory Compliance: Stay ahead of regulations focusing on waste reduction and sustainability.
Brand Enhancement: Strengthen brand image and customer loyalty by demonstrating commitment to sustainability.
Advancing plastic circularity is essential for building a more sustainable, resilient economy in Georgia and beyond. The Plastics Circularity Initiative offers a clear framework for businesses to take practical, impactful steps that align environmental responsibility with operational and financial goals. We encourage members of the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact—and the broader business community—to actively engage with these strategies, share best practices, and lead by example. Together, through informed action and collaboration, we can accelerate the transition toward a circular economy that benefits both business and society.