COVESTRO increase as the lifespan of products reduces . Across the ‘ linear economy model ’ there is a negative narrative around plastics but with circular you are concentrating on reusing and recycling rather than being distracted by the waste element .”
The concept of circular has been further enhanced by Covestro ’ s efforts to promote design strategies that put future recycling in mind . Roy notes : “ We think circular design strategies should be incorporated at the beginning of the product design process , so that designers are thinking about what the product will offer when it is ready to be recycled and whether it can easily be dismantled , separated and sorted .”
Global solutions The traditional markets for Covestro are China , Europe – particularly Germany – and the Americas , with a specific focus on the U . S .
The circular concept requires all these regions to operate symbiotically as Roy describes : “ It ' s a global phenomenon but in order to solve the constant problem of waste , we need to close more loops , and that has to be at a local level . We need more voices and contributions from all countries and companies – big and small .
“ A great many recyclers , especially in developing countries , are not big companies . Some of them are startups or social enterprises , or even operated by a single individual level . Therefore inclusiveness and diversity have a huge role to play . Beyond circularity or plastic recycling we must embrace and prioritise the challenge of alleviating poverty .”
This notion of cohesiveness is essential to achieve full circularity , and Covestro is adamant that it cannot be achieved alone or within one single institution , industry or nation . “ We really need more partnerships
“Beyond circularity or plastic recycling we must embrace and prioritise the challenge of alleviating poverty ”
ROY CHEUNG GLOBAL HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY SOLUTIONS , ENGINEERING PLASTICS , COVESTRO
to have more collaborative models . We ' re living in an era in which we are constantly discovering new innovations and working together is the key to leveraging them . This has to happen internationally and by groups of people with an understanding of the common goals involved .”
With this philosophy and a determination to go circular on an all-encompassing scale , the future looks bright for Covestro .
“ In the near future , we want to be more circular than we are right now and we will have more solutions in our sustainability portfolio entering the commercialisation phase . We ' re going to have more carbon footprint data available , more transparent data about supply chains downstream and much more closed loop models with our partners .”
“ Eventually we ' re going to achieve our fully circular goals , while helping our downstream customers achieve theirs .” concludes Roy . It ’ s a bold statement but one which resonates . After all , for Covestro , perhaps more than many other companies , it has been about encouraging a tremendous cultural shift and recognising its place in the climate change equation – realising that even plastics can become a force for good .
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