Innovating for sustainable waste management

The circular economy is an economic model that aims to maximize resource efficiency while minimizing environmental impact. Unlike the traditional linear economic model, which follows the “take-make-consume-throw away” pattern, the circular economy seeks to extend the life cycle of products through sharing, reuse, repair, renovation and recycling. This model reduces the consumption of raw materials and the production of waste, while creating new economic opportunities and helping to protect the environment.

Innovative waste management and recovery techniques

  1. Advanced recycling

Recycling is a cornerstone of the circular economy. Advanced recycling techniques enable waste to be transformed into new raw materials. For example, chemical recycling of plastics breaks down polymers into their original monomers, which can then be reused to make new plastic products. This technique is particularly useful for complex plastics that cannot be recycled mechanically.

  1. Composting and biodegradation

Composting is an organic waste management method that transforms organic matter into compost, a nutrient-rich soil improver. The technique is widely used for food and garden waste. In addition, innovations such as bio-degraders speed up the decomposition process by using specific micro-organisms to break down organic matter faster and more efficiently.

  1. Energy recovery

Waste-to-energy consists of converting non-recyclable waste into energy, in the form of heat, electricity or biogas. Waste-to-energy technologies include incineration with energy recovery, gasification and methanization. For example, methanization of organic waste produces biogas, which can be used as a renewable energy source for cooking, heating and lighting.

  1. Economy of functionality

The economy of functionality is a business model in which companies sell services rather than products. For example, instead of selling washing machines, a company could offer an on-demand laundry service. This model encourages product sustainability, as companies have an interest in designing durable, repairable products to minimize maintenance and replacement costs.