Linear:

We currently operate within a linear economic model, otherwise known as the “take, make, waste” economy. This means we take raw materials from the earth, make disposable products to sell and once their useful life is over, we dispose of them. When we dispose of a product, most of the time the materials are still completely functional. Materials have a long lifespan, frequently much longer than the products that are used for. Our minds have been hardwired to classify products as waste or resources depending on how we’re told to use them regardless of their physical potential. 

Recycling:

Recycling is a practice which is well established within our society and something that most of us participate in everyday. However, while recycling is a necessary component to circularity it in of itself is not the same thing. Recycling begins at the end of a linear life cycle, it is an ‘end of the pipe’ solution. While recycling does help to reduce the amount of plastic waste entering landfill, without systematic structures in place the behavioral and economic shifts required for true change cannot be achieved. This is where circularity comes into play, where ‘upstream’ solutions address potential issues during the conception and design phases of a product.

Circular:

The circular economy is a system that is restorative or regenerative by intention and design. It aims to mimic Earth’s familiar and infinite cycles by applying similar principles to our economic system. It’s also about making cultural and attitudinal shifts in our practices as consumers and manufacturers. One of the most important components to achieving circularity is collaboration, where knowledge is shared amongst consumers, developers, manufacturers, recyclers, government and anyone else who has a stake in a product's life cycle. In our current linear model, collaboration through the supply chain is very limited leading to confusion and distrust of the potential economic and environmental value that circularity could bring.

To achieve circularity everyone must be involved, sharing the same perception of the importance of a circular economy and trusting each other's approaches. At B&C plastics it is our mission to provide upstream, circular solutions that are commercially viable to market.