CIRCULAR ECONOMY -
We continue to go round and round about shifting to a circular economy — discussions throughout the week at SB’24 San Diego helped provide brands much-needed clarity about the ways forward.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY -
Keynotes on day 2 of SB’24 San Diego explored how companies are putting rubber
to road to solve complex business challenges — from creating new value flows to
cracking the code to circularity and driving progress toward a zero-emission
automotive future.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY -
Ingenuity from UK and US universities has led to the development of
next-generation solutions to eliminating plastic waste — particularly, in tricky
marine environments.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS -
The skincare brand highlights the benefits of refillable vs single-use packaging
formats in its latest campaign.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY -
In partnership with EY and USAID, the CIRCLE Alliance collaborative model of
enterprise acceleration will help scale new and existing solutions for packaging
circularity in areas where plastic pollution is especially severe.
INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY -
PolyGone Systems has developed the world's first portable, affordable,
low-maintenance microplastic collection device — aiming to help restore the
health of waterways and marine life worldwide.
MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
The Toronto-based startup creates high-performance biomaterials that
seamlessly integrate into manufacturing systems and supply chains five times
faster than industry standard — eliminating a barrier to widespread adoption.
MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
The UK startup is partnering with the University of Edinburgh to use waste sails
in the creation of high-value chemicals used in everyday products — even,
potentially, food ingredients.
FINANCE & INVESTMENT -
The Circulate Initiative’s latest Plastics Circularity Investment Tracker
reveals investment amounts not only fall short of financing needs across the
plastic lifecycle, too many are focused on reactive — vs proactive — solutions.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY -
Beverage giants Coca-Cola and PepsiCo are among companies working with partners to swap out single-use cups and trays for reusable serveware systems at big events.
MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
Long shipping routes, rising fuel and transportation costs, and concerns about
the carbon footprint of food supply chains have driven many companies to
reconsider their packaging options for greater efficiency.
CIRCULAR ECONOMY -
AmorSui's new line of higher-quality, inclusive, washable and recyclable garments eliminate waste and better protect medical personnel. We spoke with founder Beau Wangtrakuldee about her vision for a circular commerce model for medical supplies.
MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
Update to 2025 Roadmap carries forward unfinished targets from the original plan
and outlines new steps toward circular design, based on insights from 130+
US Plastic Pact Activators.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS -
The “right” messaging will always involve being clear, specific and transparent — but learning which words and claims will meet consumers’ expectations, build their trust and inspire their purchases will require research best done through collaborative partnerships.
MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
Not at this rate: In one corner, industry bodies and petrochemical companies
call for enhanced recycling and the increased use of materials with recycled
content. In the other, climate campaigners continue to push for cuts in
production — an argument that won’t be resolved anytime soon.
FROM PURPOSE TO ACTION: BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE TOGETHER -
Repairs and reconstruction are critical for improving the state of our country’s
infrastructure. Advancements in elastomers and PCR plastics in asphalt can
enhance road integrity, increase roads’ lifespan and pave the way for a circular
economy.
MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
While Walkers and the British Crisp Co shift to paper, Mars embraces digital
simulation software to slash its amount of plastic needed.
MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
We’re constantly exploring ways to achieve the functional benefits of plastic
with fiber-based packaging alternatives, so that no one walking down a grocery
store aisle must choose between function and sustainability.
MATERIALS & PACKAGING -
By designing with the end in mind and considering durability, construction, recyclability and production, designers who create products with ‘lower-cost’ ingredients bring us one step closer to a circular economy.