Circular Economy Insights

♻️ Packaging is one of the most waste-generating systems on the planet - where are all the startups building scalable, sustainable alternatives? The 2025 Top Tier Impact infographic on packaging startups in the circular economy maps out five areas redefining how we package goods across industries: 1/ Reusable systems 2/ Cellulose-based materials 3/ Seaweed packaging 4/ Mycelium packaging 5/ Other Biobased & upcycled materials From edible films to returnable grocery logistics, these 160+ startups are moving beyond recycling—toward regenerative design, closed-loop supply chains, and planet-compatible materials. 🌍 Packaging accounts for more than 141 million tons of global waste each year. Transforming this system is not optional. 👉 You can find the high-res infographic and full list of startups on our website: https://lnkd.in/gTsYYJ4w Who are we still missing? Tag them in the comments below! #circulareconomy #sustainablepackaging #zerowaste

Waste is not inevitable. It is the result of systems and choices—and that means we have the power to change it. We are rethinking how materials are used and reused, working toward zero waste by 2030 and applying a circular approach to everything we do. This isn’t just advancing sustainability, it’s smart business that leads to growth and innovation. We are innovating how we design products so that they can be repaired, reused, and recycled. We are extending the life of our servers and components, so they stay in circulation longer. We’re managing construction and operations differently to reduce waste before it even happens. But solving the waste challenge is bigger than any one company. It takes industries working together, alignment across local, national, and global supply chains, and interoperable policies that allow for effective waste reduction and circularity. Our new policy brief outlines 9 key principles to advance a circular economy and focuses on the important role public policy can play in advancing circularity. These principles aim to align policies across jurisdictions so that suppliers, producers, consumers, and recyclers can scale markets and significantly reduce electronic waste. https://msft.it/6044SOo1u

Only 6.9% of materials used in 2024 were recycled This marks an eight-year decline 🌎 Global recycling rates have declined for the eighth consecutive year, with only 6.9 percent of the 106 billion tonnes of materials used annually coming from recycled sources. This marks a 2.2 percentage point drop since 2015. While some progress has been made in expanding recycling infrastructure and increasing recycled content in products, these efforts are being outpaced by rapid growth in the use of virgin materials. From 2018 to 2021, the volume of recycled materials used in manufacturing rose by 200 million tonnes. However, this increase was overshadowed by the much larger expansion in raw material extraction. Global resource use has tripled over the past 50 years and is projected to rise another 60 percent by 2060 if current trends continue. This suggests that recycling, while necessary, is insufficient to counterbalance the scale of global consumption. Per capita consumption tells an even more unequal story. On average, each person consumed 12.2 tonnes of materials in 2020, up from 8.4 tonnes in 1970. But consumption is not evenly distributed: individuals in high-income countries consume six times more than those in low-income countries. The EU and US, which represent just 10 percent of the global population, account for over 50 percent of material use. These figures underscore the limitations of recycling as a stand-alone solution. Even in an ideal scenario, global recycling rates could not exceed 25 percent due to technical and economic barriers. Reducing material demand must therefore become a core focus. This requires action across the entire value chain, from product design and business models to procurement and infrastructure. A shift toward a circular economy would enable better resource management and reduce environmental pressure. This includes designing products for longevity and reuse, unlocking material value in existing building stock, managing biomass sustainably, and avoiding the disposal of renewable materials in landfills. The report calls for the creation of a global agency to oversee and coordinate sustainable material use, similar to the International Energy Agency. Reducing reliance on virgin materials and building circular systems is not optional—it is essential for economic stability and planetary health. Policymakers, businesses, and investors must treat material efficiency as a strategic priority, not a side initiative. Without clear targets, stronger enforcement, and coordinated action, the global waste and resource crisis will only deepen. #sustainability #sustainable #business #circulareconomy #esg

An American startup just unlocked #hydropower from dry land - with NO rivers or dams! In a radical rethinking of water-based #energy, an American startup has developed a closed-loop hydropower system that works without a natural river or dam. It uses #gravity, elevation, and #recycled water to generate continuous #electricity - even in dry, landlocked regions. This #breakthrough could bring the reliability of #hydroelectric energy to places never before considered viable! The system works by pumping water to a high-elevation reservoir using solar or wind power during the day. At peak demand, or when the sun goes down, the water is released downward through turbines, generating electricity just like traditional hydropower - except it’s all #artificial and self-contained. The water is then collected at a lower basin and pumped back up again in a #sustainable loop. The beauty lies in its efficiency and controllability: it can store power like a #battery and respond instantly to grid needs. Unlike dams, which often flood ecosystems and displace wildlife, this closed-loop design leaves no #environmental scar. It doesn’t alter natural rivers, harm fish populations, or require massive civil works. Instead, the units can be built on unused land - even deserts - and sized to meet local energy demands. Some are small enough to power rural villages; others are being scaled up for full urban deployment. In testing across Arizona and Nevada, the system has shown round-trip efficiency above 80%, on par with lithium batteries - but with none of the rare earth mining or toxicity risks!! #RenewableEnergy #EnergyInnovation #CleanEnergy #EnergyStorage #ClimateAction #LithiumBatteries

Turning apple waste into furniture? Material innovation is being redefined with a groundbreaking vegan-certified leather alternative crafted from upcycled agricultural waste. This innovative material offers a premium, bio-based option that seamlessly blends environmental responsibility with practical versatility. Manufactured on wide rolls, it provides a luxurious, durable alternative to traditional leather while addressing the urgent need for eco-friendly solutions. By utilising by-products of agricultural processes, this innovation exemplifies how waste can become a cornerstone for transformative design, challenging industry norms and fostering a more circular economy. Recently, this material has been introduced in the furniture sector, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness in reducing carbon footprints. For example, when used in furniture, it achieves significant reductions in carbon emissions compared to traditional materials. This measurable impact highlights the potential of sustainable materials to advance both environmental and business objectives. Key Features of Bio-Based Materials →Transformative Origins: Converts agricultural by-products into high-quality materials. →Cross-Industry Applications: Ideal for furniture, fashion, and automotive sectors. →Design Customisation: Supports diverse finishes and textures, meeting unique design needs. →Supply Chain Transparency: Offers full traceability, ensuring ethical production and enhancing storytelling. Business Impact and ROI →Sustainability Leadership: Collaborating with material innovators demonstrates a commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. →Cost Optimisation: By utilising waste-based inputs, businesses can reduce dependence on costly, resource-intensive materials. →Market Differentiation: Offering products made with innovative materials positions companies as leaders in sustainability, appealing to a conscientious consumer base. →Carbon Reduction: Bio-based materials deliver tangible emissions savings, supporting corporate decarbonisation objectives. This innovation exemplifies how rethinking waste can drive sustainability and profitability, empowering businesses to lead in the era of bio-based innovation. Link for more info: https://lnkd.in/dmtMrnP3 #sustainability #esg #biomaterials #decarbonisation #wasteupcycling #innovation #bioeconomy #climateaction #circularity #greendesign

UK government has initiated a Circular Economy Taskforce developing a 10 year Circular Economy strategy. This is a very welcome initiative and the fact that the secretariat is based in Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs should mean strong links to #sustainability and the #environment. It has Ministerial oversight and a senior officials group, so should have the levers to enable strategy to be turned into action. There was an absence of reference to #procurement some mention of #supplychains and although HM Treasury are a named as a contributing Department Cabinet Office isn't a formal part of the Ministerial oversight. Procurement should be a significant lever for any Circular Economy strategy that feels like a fairly signficant missing element, although I guess this could be plugged at the officials level, but having the relevant Cabinet Office Minister involved adds weight and focus and brings a lot of procurement resources which would make a signficant contribution. UK government has a series of missions / cross-cutting (in old money) initiatives and hopefully there are common mechanisms and methodologies that are being put in place to ensure concepts, are turned into strategy and ultimately delivery. In general cross-government have not delivered consistently in the past (a non-political challenge), have not endured and the learning from previous initiatives has been lost, think efficiency programmes, net zero and modern slavery initiatives. This is great opportunity to deliver some complicated and challenging programmes whilst build the fundamental mechanisms to drive and deliver future policies and programmes, let's hope it is sustained and obtains some cross-party support because this will not be delivered in a single Government cycle. All Government's need to be able to deliver in this way so the governance, transparency, reporting and fundamental methodology needs to be embedded.

I'm at the world's first co-working space for e-waste recyclers. This Bharat Climate Startup is creating a safe and inclusive circular economy that recovers valuable materials from e-waste thereby creating secondary raw materials for industry, and avoiding the need for primary ore mining. E[co]work is an innovative and unique solution to a complex and widely spread problem worldwide: the gap between informal dismantlers of e-waste, legal requirements and sound and safe recycling practices. In India, informal dismantlers handle 95% of the 3 million tonnes of e-waste generated every year. Although it provides a livelihood for many urban poor, working conditions are dismal and the methods used are dangerous and polluting. Yet, restrictive rules, tedious authorization procedures and limited capital prevent informal micro-entrepreneurs from transforming into formal businesses. ft. Deepali Sinha Khetriwal 🚀Produced in collaboration with Wingify Earth 🔥Hi, we are Shweta & Suprio travelling Bharat with Bharat Climate Startups. Our aim is to bring to you Indian climate startups from every state of Bharat!

Zero waste Beauty packaging. If we want to continue selling our products, we need to transform the industry. Driven by societal demands, the industry is seeking to respond through innovation and creativity. Consumer acceptance, market forecasts, and innovations in zero waste packaging are key areas of focus. The zero waste movement is gaining traction globally, and the beauty industry is at the front, what should we know? >> 58% of consumers are willing to pay more for products with sustainable packaging. >> 73% of Millennials and Gen Z expressing a preference for eco-friendly beauty products. >> The market for sustainable beauty packaging is expected to grow substantially. $412.7 billion by 2027, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% from 2020 to 2027. → Soluble packaging. Soluble packaging, made from biodegradable and non-toxic polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), dissolves in water without leaving residue, making it ideal for single-use products like bath bombs, detergents, and cosmetics. This innovation not only reduces environmental impact but also offers consumer convenience by eliminating disposal needs. → Biodegradable packaging. Biodegradable packaging is another cornerstone of the zero waste movement. Made from natural materials like cornstarch, bamboo, and sugarcane, biodegradable packaging decomposes naturally, leaving no harmful residue. This type of packaging is particularly popular for items such as compacts, bottles, and jars.. → Refillable and reusable packaging. Refillable and reusable packaging is also gaining momentum. Companies are designing products with containers that can be refilled multiple times, significantly reducing waste. For example, Kjaer Weis offers refillable makeup compacts, and Rituals provides refill stations for its products in select stores. >> 64% of consumers are interested in refillable packaging. >> 53% are willing to switch brands for more sustainable options. → Plant-Based and recycled materials. Innovations in plant-based and recycled materials, such as mushroom leather, seaweed, and recycled ocean plastic, are transforming beauty packaging by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting circular economy initiatives. Brands like REN Clean Skincare and Biossance are leading the way, with commitments to using entirely recycled or reusable packaging by 2025 and employing sugarcane-derived bioplastics to lower their carbon footprint Concluding: The future of zero waste packaging. Driven by rising consumer demand for sustainable products and supportive government regulations like the EU's directive to reduce single-use plastics. Increased collaborations between beauty brands and innovators are expected to yield breakthroughs in sustainable materials and technologies, including bioplastics, nanotechnology, and smart packaging. Find here, my curated selection of examples, to get you inspired at your next Hit! #beauty #zerowaste #sustainablepackaging #beautypackaging

"Unlocking Nature’s Potential: The Zero-Waste Coconut Revolution" The incredible journey of zero-waste coconut processing is a remarkable example of sustainability and innovation. Every part of the coconut, from the husk to the water, is fully utilized, leaving nothing to waste. Here's how this natural resource is being harnessed: Coconut water is a refreshing drink rich in electrolytes and is bottled and sold globally as a natural energy drink. The coconut meat, the white flesh inside, is a powerhouse of nutrients and can be processed into coconut milk, oil, and flour, each serving different markets—from culinary delights to beauty products. The coconut shell, often discarded, is now a valuable resource. It's used to create activated charcoal, eco-friendly tableware, and even biofuel. The shell’s strength also makes it ideal for crafting decorative items. The fibrous coconut husk, known as coir, is turned into ropes, mats, and brushes, and it's also used in horticulture as a natural soil conditioner, replacing synthetic alternatives. Even the coconut leaves and trunk find their purpose. Leaves are woven into baskets and mats, while the trunk can be used in construction, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional timber. There are key lessons for entrepreneurs in this process. First, embrace sustainability. The zero-waste approach of coconut processing highlights the importance of sustainable practices, encouraging entrepreneurs to minimize waste and create value from by-products. Second, innovation drives growth. Each part of the coconut is utilized through innovative methods, showing that fostering a culture of innovation can lead to new ways of using existing resources. Third, diversification is key. Coconut processing demonstrates the power of diversification, allowing businesses to tap into various markets, spreading risk, and maximizing profit. Finally, local to global impact is a significant takeaway. What begins as a local practice can have a global reach, and entrepreneurs should consider how their sustainable practices can scale and impact markets worldwide. Zero-waste coconut processing is a perfect example of how nature provides, and innovation ensures nothing goes to waste. It’s a lesson in resourcefulness, sustainability, and the boundless potential of creative thinking #business #entrepreneurship #manufacturing #management #engineering

We’ve learnt a hell of a lot on our environmental journey from a standing start. We set out with small steps, in hindsight incorrect ones, like offsetting our impact without changing our operations. Over time, we focused more on reducing our indirect emissions by changing things like our energy, travel, and commuting practices. Now, our main emissions are within Scope 3, covering areas like ad platforms, suppliers, and systems. Key lessons from our journey include: 1️⃣ Start Small, Scale Up: We started with simple changes and gradually tackled bigger environmental challenges. 2️⃣ Comprehensive Audit: We regularly checked all parts of our business for their environmental impact. 3️⃣ Engage Suppliers: We worked with our suppliers to encourage them to be more sustainable. 4️⃣ Diverse and Local Sourcing: We trying to chose suppliers that were local, female-led, or minority-led in Essex, supporting diversity and the local community. 5️⃣ Conscious Consumption: We became more thoughtful in our purchases, like choosing stationery from a B Corporation and considering the environmental impact of our travel and hotel choices. There’s a lot more to do and we are learning all the time, but it does feel like we’ve made progress and moving in the right direction. What would you add? #bcorp #betterbusiness #environment