Nicolai Fedderholdt

A practical way of defining circular economy is that it is based on the principles of designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. To make it simple, circular economy is about sharing, renting, mending, borrowing, redesigning and recycling. It is the new way of doing things, instead of the old “wear and tear” behavior.

#1 Resource intelligent economic model. This is a fundamental concept of circular economy. It enhances natural capital and creates the necessary conditions for the regeneration of natural systems. Circular economy is resource intelligent and regenerative & takes notice of the nature’s capacity. Operations within planet’s boundaries.

#2 Extension of the life of products and materials. This means that circular economy aims to extend the useful life of the products and materials by creating the loops of the materials and products. They are kept in use endlessly in biological or technical cycles. The goal is achieved through the active reuse, repair and re-manufacturing of the products and materials utilized in the economy. Materials are safe & non-toxic.

#3 Minimization of waste and pollution. This is important both in production and when using the products. Value of products, components and materials is maintained and increased through refinement.

#4 All energy is renewable and is used efficiently.

#5 Solutions are systemic and based on the good planning of life-cycles, ecosystems and multi-purpose usage patterns.

#6 Resources and well-being are equally divided for all. ⁴

In a circular economy, businesses build and rebuild overall health and well-being of the planet and people. The concept recognizes the importance of the economy needing to work effectively at all scales – for large and small businesses, for organisations and individuals, globally and locally.

Transitioning to a circular economy does not only amount to adjustments aimed at reducing the negative impacts of the linear economy. Rather, it represents a systemic shift that builds long-term resilience, generates business and economic opportunities, and provides environmental and societal benefits.

In sifting to the circular economy business it is also important to understand the concept of closed loops. Closed-loop recycling is the process by which a product or material can be used and then turned into a new product (or converted back to raw material) without losing its properties. Closed loop minimizes the harms to the environment and reduces the need to use new natural resources. Ideal closed-loop systems produce no waste.

For making the closed loops possible the companies need to review and make changes to all their operations like logistics, sorting, warehousing, energy supply sourcing, marketing and management in order to make the change. According to Ellen Mac Arthur Foundation, the Circular Economy system framework is divided into two parts, biological cycles and technical cycles. It is very important that the businesses and consumers  understand the difference of these processes, to enable “zero waste”.

Reverse logistics is defined as the process of moving goods beyond their typical final destination for purposes like re-use, capturing value, or proper disposal. This can include all recycling, reclamation of raw materials, refurbishment, and reselling of items that have been stocked again.⁷  In supply chain networks, materials flow from suppliers through to end customers and back to being re-processed. This is important to make the closed loops function.

The “Butterfly-model” differentiates the biological and technological cycles

• In biological cycles the nature-based and bio-degradable raw materials circulate. For example food and other natural materials (such as cotton or wood) are planned to feed back into the system through processes like composting and anaerobic digestion. These cycles regenerate living systems, such as soil, which provide renewable resources for the economy.
• Technical cycles cover materials produced by the humans, harmful materials like e.g. technology, metals etc. These materials can be recovered and restored into new products/components  through strategies like reuse, repair, re-manufacture or (in the last resort) recycling.
• In technical cycles materials are created by people in the industrial processes. Original materials are also derived from the nature, but they are processed so that the new materials cannot be returned safely to the nature anymore. These produced materials  should be circulated, processed and re-used in a way that the need for using new original materials decreases into minimal. For example scarce mineral resources like metals can be collected from electronics and re-used in the new products. The goal for these cycles is 100% reuse. These materials altogether should be kept totally separate from the nature’s cycles. An example of this is keeping the plastic in a closed cycle because the effects of micro-plastic is hazardous to the environment. ⁵

https://youtu.be/EqBivOsNtFg

Ellen Mac Arthur Foundation. The explanation about Butterfly Diagram. An outline of a circular economy.2017.

https://youtu.be/X6HDcubgxRk

Practical examples of how circular economy cycles can be taken into account in the product development:

Circular Economy: definition & examples | Sustainability Environment

Life Cycle Model

Life-cycle Model helps companies to analyse current products and services and future opportunities. In the beginning of the development process the company should view and evaluate step by step all the core processes, customers and usage and evaluate what should be changed. The circular economy business can be worked in each part of the company’s value chain which is described in the picture below. Life cycle model is often associated with the so-called life cycle assessment (LCA) which is explained in a later chapter.

Below there are some examples of questions in this value chain to be asked regarding the process of the full evaluation of the current business. Please click the info-button (i) to read the details.

Further reading:

Besides the above text read the general definitions of circular economy at the Ellen Macarthur page What Is the circular economy? (ellenmacarthurfoundation.org)Links to an external site. You can find some really interesting videos there,too.

What Is the circular economy? (ellenmacarthurfoundation.org)Links to an external site.

Ellen-MacArthur-Foundation-Towards-the-Circular-Economy-vol.1.pdf Download Ellen-MacArthur-Foundation-Towards-the-Circular-Economy-vol.1.pdfEllen-MacArthur-Foundation-Towards-the-Circular-Economy-vol.1.pdfDownload Ellen-MacArthur-Foundation-Towards-the-Circular-Economy-vol.1.pdf

Building Blocks Of A Circular Economy – Circular Economy Design & Circular Economy Business Models (ellenmacarthurfoundation.org)Links to an external site.

Textiles in Europe’s circular economy — European Environment Agency (europa.eu)Links to an external site.

Indicators for the circular economy business | Statistics FinlandLinks to an external site.

The circular economy – SitraLinks to an external site.

References

^{1  What is a Circular Economy? | Ellen MacArthur FoundationLinks to an external site.}

^{2  The Global Goals for Sustainable Development  The Global GoalsLinks to an external site.}

^{3  Wikipedia 14.6.2021}

^{4  Circular Economy – UK, USA, Europe, Asia & South America – The Ellen MacArthur FoundationLinks to an external site. and Ethica Kiertotalousopas.}

^{5  Ellen Macarthur Foundation. Rethink the future. Towards the circular Economy.}

^{6 Ecodesign Guide. Ethica. www.ethica.fiLinks to an external site.}

^{7 Reverse logistics? #12. Reverse logistics is becoming an… | by Shippr | MediumLinks to an external site.}

“A good life is no longer achieved by simply producing more and more goods”. “How do we move to a circular economy, in which consumption is based on using services – sharing, renting and recycling?” So what is circular economy?

Circular economy is an economic model which does not focus on producing more and more goods, but in which consumption is based on using services – sharing, renting and recycling – instead of owning. Materials are not destroyed in the end, but are used to make new products over and over again. Circular economy solutions are needed to safeguard biodiversity and solve the climate crisis. It is about turning the inefficiencies in the companies’ linear value chains into new sustainable business value.

This video explains shortly but concretely what circular economy is all about. Start by watching it before reading the next:

• The circular economy is an economy in which stakeholders (companies, authorities, others)  collaborate efficiently in order to maximize the value of products and materials, and as such contribute to minimizing the depletion of natural resources and create positive societal and environmental impact.
• Looking beyond the standard of “take-make-waste” industrial and consumption models, the circular economy aims to re-define growth, focusing on positive society-wide benefits. It brings along gradually decoupling economic activity from the consumption of scarce resources, and designing waste out of the system.
• In circular economy, economic activity builds and re-builds overall health to the business. The concept recognizes the importance of the economy needing to work effectively at all places – for large and small businesses, for organisations and individuals, globally and locally.

https://youtu.be/zCRKvDyyHmI

Ellen Mac Arthur Foundation. Explaining the circular economy and how society can re-think progress – animated video essay. 2011.

We are shifting to a system where we

• design new products out of waste and pollution
• keep products and materials in use indefinitely
• regenerate natural systems

Transitioning to a circular economy (from the linear economy) does not only amount to adjustments aimed at reducing the negative impacts of the linear economy. Rather, it represents a systemic shift that builds long-term resilience, generates business and economic opportunities, and provides environmental and societal benefits. ¹

The circular economy responds to the largest global challenges such as climate change, depletion of natural resources, and loss of diversity. Achieving circular economy objectives requires new kinds of thinking and operating models, diverse expertise and a reorientation of business activities. In particular, different kinds of professionals are needed who can solve the difficult problems related to circular economy implementation.

Please extend your knowledge of the circular economy by reading this two sub-pages of Ellen Macarthur Foundation Learning Hub:

• The Circular Economy In Detail (ellenmacarthurfoundation.org)
• Fashion and the circular economy (ellenmacarthurfoundation.org)

Wood waste generated from the construction and demolition sector in British Columbia is predominantly landfilled, resulting in missed opportunities for the circular economy, according to a recent study conducted by M.Sc. Matthäus Hermann, 74% of the waste wood produced is being disposed of in landfills, leading to the unnecessary use of new raw materials.

The study found that business owners who utilize only solid wood rather than panel materials are more effective in conserving resources, with waste quantities of only 1.5 – 2% achieved, resulting in lower disposal costs and increased profitability of projects. The study also revealed that engineered wood products, such as GLT, LVL, or CLT, generate little to no wood waste due to being ordered to size.

Furthermore, the survey showed that accepting waste wood at no cost can result in significant savings for the companies. Many business owners expressed a willingness to dispose of residual wood separately and store it in a separate container to achieve further use and cost savings.

To facilitate sustainable, circular wood disposal and reuse, the survey showed that companies prefer a pickup service provided by a reputable transport company and only pay for transportation instead of dropping it off. However, it was noted that the acceptance and adoption of such services would increase from 84% to 92% if legal requirements and regulations changed, and the company could issue all the necessary proofs and certificates.

It is clear from the survey that business owners require cost reductions and savings, without the need for additional time or personnel, to be fully on board with such initiatives. They also require proof that residual wood is being processed and not ending up in landfills. Therefore, for future possibilities to reduce the amount of waste wood in landfills, scientific studies and investigations should be aimed at the usability of demolition material, the traceability of the material origin and the current cascade of the material.

In conclusion, the study highlights the missed opportunities for the circular economy, the environmental impact and CO2 emissions due to the predominant landfilling of wood waste in British Columbia. It is recommended that companies adopt sustainable, circular wood disposal and reuse initiatives to reduce waste and costs. At the same time, scientific investigations should aim at exploring further ways to repurpose demolition material.

Source: United Nations https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-consumption-production/

Goal 12 is about ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, which is key to sustain the livelihoods of current and future generations.

Unsustainable patterns of consumption and production are root causes of the triple planetary crises of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. These crises, and related environmental degradation, threaten human well-being and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Governments and all citizens should work together to improve resource efficiency, reduce waste and pollution, and shape a new circular economy.

Goal 12 Targets:

12.1 Implement the 10-year framework of programmes on sustainable consumption and production, all countries taking action, with developed countries taking the lead, taking into account the development and capabilities of developing countries

12.2 By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources

12.3 By 2030, halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses

12.4 By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment

12.5 By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse

12.6 Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle

12.7 Promote public procurement practices that are sustainable, in accordance with national policies and priorities

12.8 By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature

12.A Support developing countries to strengthen their scientific and technological capacity to move towards more sustainable patterns of consumption and production

12.B Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products

12.C Rationalize inefficient fossil-fuel subsidies that encourage wasteful consumption by removing market distortions, in accordance with national circumstances, including by restructuring taxation and phasing out those harmful subsidies, where they exist, to reflect their environmental impacts, taking fully into account the specific needs and conditions of developing countries and minimizing the possible adverse impacts on their development in a manner that protects the poor and the affected communities

We at Can-Do! are driven to help the UN to achieve their targets. Let’s all be part of the solution!

Finger joint dimensional lumber is a type of engineered wood product that is created by joining shorter pieces of wood together using interlocking finger joints. This process allows for the creation of longer, straighter, and more stable boards that are perfect for a variety of construction and woodworking projects.

The process of creating finger joint lumber involves cutting the ends of the shorter boards with a series of interlocking teeth, much like puzzle pieces. These teeth are then glued together to form a long, straight board. The lumber is available in a variety of dimensions, making it suitable for a range of applications. It is commonly used for framing walls, floors, and roofs, as well as for building furniture and cabinetry. It can be cut and shaped using traditional woodworking tools, and it accepts stain and paint just like solid wood.

Finger joint dimensional lumber offers several benefits for construction and woodworking projects. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Cost-effective: Finger joint lumber allows for the creation of longer boards without relying on long pieces of high-quality lumber. This can help reduce waste and increase the efficiency of the manufacturing process. It also makes the cost of the final product more affordable, as shorter pieces of lumber are generally less expensive than longer ones.
2. Stability: Because the individual pieces of wood are joined together with glue, finger jointed lumber is more stable and less prone to warping and twisting over time than solid wood. This makes it ideal for applications where stability is important, such as in construction or woodworking projects.
3. Versatility: Finger jointed lumber is available in a variety of dimensions, making it suitable for a range of applications. It is commonly used for framing walls, floors, and roofs, as well as for building furniture and cabinetry. It can be cut and shaped using traditional woodworking tools, and it accepts stain and paint just like solid wood.
4. Efficiency: The process of creating finger jointed lumber allows for the creation of longer, straighter, and more stable boards without relying on high-quality, long pieces of lumber. This can help reduce waste and increase the efficiency of the manufacturing process.
5. Sustainability: Finger jointed lumber can be made from sustainably harvested wood and can be recycled or repurposed at the end of its life. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option than some other types of building materials.

However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when using finger joint lumber. Because it is made from shorter pieces of wood, it may not have the same aesthetic appeal as solid wood. The finger joints can be visible, which may not be desirable for certain projects. Additionally, because it is an engineered wood product, it may not have the same level of strength as solid wood, particularly in load-bearing applications.

Overall, finger joint dimensional lumber offers a cost-effective, stable, versatile, efficient, and sustainable option for a range of construction and woodworking projects.