Background context - In the last few years the concept of Circular Economy (CE) and Closed Loop System has been receiving increasing attention worldwide as a way to overcome the current production and consumption model based on continuous growth and increasing resource throughput. Implementing practices for a CE transforms the way companies do business, notably in the manufacturing industry. However, a CE requires a transformation of both production and consumption systems; the standard approach for creation, fabrication, and commerce of products is challenged. Operating programs and strategies (such as the so-called “Landfill free” or “Zero-waste to Landfill” programs) have been launched by companies to implement those principles. Justification of the research – CE implies the adoption of cleaner production patterns at company level, an increase of producer’s and consumer’s responsibility and awareness, the use of renewable technologies and materials (wherever possible) as well as the adoption of suitable, clear and stable policies and tools for waste management. The lesson learned from successful experiences can be useful for scholars and practitioners to understand variables, benefits and criticalities related to their application.
Aim - With the aim of highlighting synergies and potential interactions between CE and waste management, this article presents and discusses the role played by CE as part of the sustainability strategy of Aptargroup (Aptar), a leading corporation in the packaging industry. Since 2013 Aptar has developed a Landfill Free certification based on the Zero Waste International Alliance Protocol; the main goal has been to stimulate the optimization of waste management in the company’s facilities, with special focus on the reuse and recycle of production scraps, in compliance with CE approaches, to obtain: reduction of greenhouse gas emissions; security of supply of raw materials; increase of competitiveness.
Approach - This study provides an overview of the origins, basic principles, and implementation of CE at the various corporate levels worldwide. After a short introduction and background about the role of CE and waste management, the approach developed by Aptar is described and discussed. Sources of data and information are mainly reports and documents provided by Aptar.
Results – In the last four years, thanks to the LF project, Aptar has certified more than 20 facilities in different regions and has recycled more than 39,000 metric tons of waste. In addition, in 2017 the Post Consumer Resin (PCR) has been developed and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for intended use in Beauty + Home application in North America; trials are also ongoing in other regions for the use of Post Industrial Resins (PIR) and PCR in the finished product.
Conclusions - The actions described in this article can be considered a significant example of CE applied at a company level; results can be useful to enlarge scientific and operating knowledge for scholars and practitioners in that field of activities.
Keywords: Circular Economy; Waste Management; Zero waste to landfill; Landfill Free; packaging industry.
5c. Circular economy, zero waste & innovation
