Circular economy

Best practices

Cradle-to-cradle, a commitment to environmental design and sustainability

Rock the cradle Specialist firm goes all the way in cradle-to-cradle thinking, design philosophy and manfacture for lab installations Develops range of lab furniture that meets C2C Product Standard Certification Burdinola is a company specialised in the planning, integration, and installation of...
Best practices

Using secondary materials in your business

What one company or sector considers a residue, byproduct or waste, another company or industrial sector only sees potential raw materials. More and more industries are trying to transform their waste into valuable resources. This can lead to a win-wins for both the waste generator and manufacturer...
Best practices

Industrial symbiosis ecosystem in Denmark

The human factor Working together for a common good is at the heart of symbiotic relationships in businesses too Long-term success thanks to the commitment of the companies and all staff involved The Kalundborg Symbiosis is an industrial ecosystem located in Denmark, where the residual product of...
Best practices

Jeans-maker informs customers how to use its product

From rags to rugs... Jeans company values its product's full life cycle It provides information on how to care for its products, sourcing, recycling and reuse options Swedish denim label Nudie Jeans provides detailed information and recommendations to its customers regarding the environmental impact...
Best practices

Baby clothes subscription model in Denmark

Baby clothes for the sharing generation Innovative baby clothes subscription and sharing system saves resources Reusing and ultimatley recycling clothes is at the heart of the circular economy Circular economy thinking is the cornerstone of the Danish baby clothes brand Vigga. Baby clothes like...
Best practices

Recycling used cooking oil into biodiesel

Environmental and social benefits rolled into one Programme to recover used cooking oil and convert it to biodiesel saves resources and cuts CO2 Social enterprise running the operation creates new jobs for disadvantaged groups In hotel kitchens and restaurants, large quantities of used cooking oil...
Best practices

Total product redesign - diaper manufacturer

A diaper company applies cradle-to-cradle principles to its products It creates a reusable, disposable and partly biodegradable diaper gDiapers, a company producing diapers (nappies) decided to reduce the environmental impact of its products. Indeed, diapers are largely made of synthetic materials...
Best practices

Caterpillar paves the way in heavy machinery remanufacturing

Long history of sustainability on display Clever scheme to promote end-of-life product remanufacturing Almost no waste sent to landfill, and huge reductions in energy and water use Caterpillar is an American heavy machinery- and engine-maker with a strong brand and long history in remanufacturing...
Best practices

Leasing extends end-of-life product cycles at Xerox

Xerox sees the 'green' light Copy machine-maker develops strong remanufacturing business model Its reverse supply chain activities save around € 107 million annually and divert 35 million kg of waste from landfill Xerox ventured into the managed service sector by enabling customers to lease its...
Best practices

Renting and leasing

Renting and leasing means that you can use a product without owning it. This can be favourable, for example if you only need a certain tool once, or if it is a complex tool that needs a lot of maintenance, it is most likely a lot cheaper to rent or lease it than to buy it. By not buying an...
Best practices

Waste has a value through industrial symbiosis

Industrial symbiosis is an association between two or more industrial facilities or companies in which the waste or by-products of one become the raw materials for another. This is usually done for both commercial and environmental reasons. It involves a collective approach to competitive advantage...
Best practices

The East Bay Depot for Creative Re-use

Re-used ... re-loved Office equipment and furniture finds a new home or new purpose if not thrown away Community centres and schools can make use of the equipment Valuable materials contained in the used items can be repurposed as well Office waste can be reduced by ensuring that discarded office...