Circularity in practice – about a responsible approach to raw materials and waste

The closed circulation economy is becoming an increasingly important element of ecological policy and business strategies. Why, in your opinion, is it so important today that companies are involved in circular models of activity?

The closed circulation economy is not only a matter of environmental protection, but also rational resource and cost management. We live in a time when raw materials are becoming more and more difficult and more expensive, and consumers expect more ecological responsibility from companies. By implementing GOZ solutions, enterprises not only support environmental protection, but also build a competitive advantage, reducing operational and financial risk and respond to the growing market expectations.

Despite this, many companies still do not take action in this direction. For what reasons, do you think some of them delay the implementation of circular solutions?

There can be several reasons. For some companies, circular solutions are still seen as a cost, not an investment. Others are afraid of the complexity of processes related to the redesign of products or changing supply chains. There is also often a lack of knowledge or partners who could help in conducting this transformation. The switching to the closed circulation economy is a challenge, but also a huge opportunity, which is not worth giving up or postponed.

How has the company’s interest in GOZ solutions in recent years changed?

There is definitely an increase in interest. Even six years ago, our clients rarely attached the importance of waste sorting – today many of them divide them even into 17 different factions. We also observe more involvement in the issue of product design with a view to recycling, repair or re -use. It is important to start thinking about GOZ already at the product concept stage, so that closing the circuit of materials is planned from the very beginning.

What actions does Stena recycling take to support the development of the closed circulation economy?

For years, we have been investing in advanced recycling technologies and we create partnerships enabling the full use of GOZ potential. An example is cooperation with Deko Eko, Castorama or companies such as Elextrolux or Vestas. We also conduct educational activities, helping customers optimize production and waste processes to recover as many valuable raw materials as possible.

What are the benefits of implementing circular solutions not to notice?

First of all, environmental – companies limit the consumption of primary resources. They also see financial benefits – lower waste management costs, logistics optimization, reduction of the number of transports and emissions CO₂. Added to this are image aspects – consumers are increasingly valuing brands that actually work for sustainable development. This is confirmed by the Circular Voice study, carried out on behalf of Stena Recycling on 5,000 respondents in 5 countries, which shows that consumers pay more attention to the durability of products and their impact on the environment.

Where did the motivation to intensively develop activities for circular economy came from in Stena recycling?

For us it is a natural direction. As a waste processing company, we see how huge potential lies in materials that can be reused. This is not only a requirement to adapt to the law – it is a matter of vision of development, business responsibility and awareness that resources are limited.

You mentioned the growing awareness of consumers. Do you think that companies in Poland are ready to implement GOZ models?

You can see growing readiness, but there is still a lot to be done. The biggest challenge is often a change in mentality and building cooperation ecosystems. In the closed circulation economy, closing the circuit of materials requires cooperation between producers, suppliers, clients and recycling companies. Cooperation is the key.

One of the activities promoting the circular approach is the Stena Circular Economy Award Stena – the leader of the closed circulation economy. Where did the idea for its creation come from?

We wanted to show good practices, inspire and educate others. The Stena Circular Economy Award – the leader of the closed circulation economy for eight years distinguishes companies that effectively implement innovative circular solutions. In this way, we want to build a positive narrative around GOZ and emphasize that circularity is a real business strategy that brings measurable effects.

What projects particularly drew your attention during the last, 8th edition of the competition?

We see more and more advanced projects: from new business models, through innovative methods of recovery of materials, to full transformation of supply chains. We are very happy that there are also solutions from various industries – from motoring, through electronics to the construction sector. This shows that the closed circulation economy becomes a universal language of business.

Finally – what actions, in your opinion, should be a priority for companies that want to start their path towards the closed circulation economy?

The most important thing is to start with the analysis – where waste is created in the company, as they can be reduced, processed or reused. It is also worth looking for partners – it is difficult to close the circulation yourself. And most importantly: change of mentality. We must start treating waste like raw materials. Whoever understands and implements early enough will be a leader not only ecological but also business.