Why Circular Packaging is the Way of the Future
Collins Dictionary's word of the year for 2018 was “single-use”. As our society turns our focus more toward growing environmental concern, our vocabulary and conversations shift as well. Companies are banning plastic straws and scientists have discovered microplastics in the cells of fish in the deep ocean, it’s impossible to ignore the plastic environment we have created.
Now prepare yourself for the new word of 2019: “circular economy”. A circular economy is a regenerative network in which materials are used for their desired purpose and then processed through a closed loop of reuse. In simple terms, we’re heading back to the “milkman” days. Circular packaging essentially means that rather than buying a single-use plastic bottle of something like milk, laundry detergent, or soda, products come in reusable bottles that you return or refill to be processed back through the system.
Companies are taking action in 2019 to implement changes to the way we consume. Recently, Unilever announced a plan to reduce plastic content in their packaging by 25% by 2025, an attainable goal. This plan includes leading the pack of global product suppliers changing packaging to be more easily recycled and reused.
The circular economy model starts with choosing materials, sustainably sourced and easily reused being the most important considerations. Extending the life of the materials within packaging is the second goal, longer shelf lives and more uses from the same product mean the package does more work before it is disposed of.
The circular economy will be a long-term change, but you can get started participating in it right now. Local grocery stores have started offering water jug rental and refill services and bulk-buy food products can be purchased directly in the reusable jars you’ll use to store them. Minimize the packaging in your own life by buying things you restock frequently in bulk. Simple changes can make each life more sustainable, individual action is just as important as large scale efforts.
The same ideals of a circular economy model apply to the construction industry. The first principle of sustainability is materials, choosing materials that come from sustainable sources and will last as long as possible reduces a structure’s footprint over time. Renovating and remodeling current structures can reduce land development and habitat destruction, making each project an important factor in long term sustainability. Castor Construction Group pays attention to the details of every project to ensure we’re doing everything in our power to build South Florida cleaner and greener.
