FAQ - Circular Economy

Every cycle is characterised by the fact that the beginning and end points coincide. So if we do not consider the finite "life span" but a life cycle, the transformation into circularity succeeds.

The circular economy is part of a sustainable and resource-conserving way of life and economy. Cross-sectorally interlinked, the circular economy encompasses all material and product life cycles beyond classic waste management. This concept must be considered globally and including ecological and social impacts in a long-term perspective. 

One of the biggest challenges of circular economy is probably the longevity of products and materials, as this often runs counter to standard economic practice. Further obstacles can increasingly arise in the avoidance of waste and residual materials in the circular economy in order to truly conserve resources. The process development and new introduction of products with recyclable materials is also associated with high energy expenditure and often new terrain.

Implementing cycles systematically can and should be individually tailored to your company. In the following, we list three typical ways to initiate loops: 

Material & design

Is the raw material recyclable? How high is the proportion of secondary raw materials used in the supply chain? Together we find the right material strategy to transform design challenges into circularity in the long run.

Chemical substances  

Recording and checking the used chemical substances in product life cycles helps to find and substitute harmful substances in the long term and to remove them from the material cycles in a targeted manner. In this context, knowledge of cause-effect relationships helps to act early and with foresight in order to avoid future environmental and health impacts. GSM can optimally support you through many years of experience in the recording, testing and optimisation of chemicals and chemical inventory management in all stages of the supply chain.

Partnerships

Circular economy is a concept that helps all actors within your supply chain to set priorities and to act jointly and precautionary. Through partnerships, economic framework conditions can be more easily adapted among globally active actors. In order to implement the goals of the circular economy, a common aspiration for a resource-saving economy in which future generations can also find their way is required.

Preserving the functional and economic values of products and their components and materials for as long as possible reveals important benchmarks for action and success factors. Circular economy sets itself the goal of minimising negative impacts on people and the environment. In the long term, circularity improves your eco-balance and through the increased use of secondary materials in cycles designed for them, you save ways, costs and CO2 emissions.