As companies, consumers and policymakers grow increasingly aware of the impact of manufacturing on the planet, concepts such as the circular economy are entering the mainstream. But what is a circular economy, and what does it involve?

The concept of a circular economy

The idea is based on ancient philosophical and historical concepts of circularity. A circular economy aims to rethink the way we define growth to focus on benefits for society in general. Put simply, it involves taking waste out of the industrial model and reducing the consumption of finite resources. Circular economy is based on three main principles: designing waste and pollution out of the system, reusing products and materials, and regenerating natural systems. 

What does this mean in practical terms? Circular systems reuse, share, repair, remanufacture and recycle products, materials, equipment and infrastructure in order to create a closed loop in which pollution and waste are minimised. At AR Metallizing, we develop and produce mono-material-based packaging and labelling materials that are energy-efficient to sort and reuse and are fully recyclable. Find out more about how we support businesses with sustainable materials that don’t compromise on performance or design.