COVESTRO
We ' re talking about one million bottles every year across China . These then become recycled raw materials for other applications , such as electronics . It ’ s a great case study of one item reappearing as another , and in a completely different industry .”
Plastic population The company has endeavoured to unite every employee with the same fully circular vision , with every function making a contribution from procurement to operations to sales . It also includes supporting functions like HR , controlling and supply chains .
Roy explains : “ To bring every single employee on board ; to equip them with precisely the knowledge they need is a constant challenge . But we are seeing positive change . There has been a growing number of early adopters within the organisation who are already showing willingness to contribute . They tend to be curious people , with many from the younger generation , who have a clear idea about what they want on sustainability for future generations .”
Covestro is also encouraging digital expansion among its workforce with many digital initiatives encouraging more sustainable behaviour . This is particularly useful when it comes to the traceability of materials .
“ We want to locate and trace the good quality recyclable plastics , but it isn ’ t possible without implementing AI technologies and digital mapping . Traceability and transparency of the supply chain is a major theme when it comes to upholding the circular economy .”
The circular challenge is certainly one that the company , and Roy in particular , is focused on . It represents the epicentre of where it needs to be in the coming years . “ That model involves how people use the products and the speed of this process will
“ The designers are thinking about what the product offers when it is ready to be recycled and whether it can easily be dismantled , separated and sorted ”
ROY CHEUNG GLOBAL HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS , ENGINEERING PLASTICS , COVESTRO
124 January 2022