COP26; The Circular Economy and A Holistic Approach

COP26 takes place in Glasgow next month and the Circular Economy is set to top the agenda.

The concept is predicted to play a critical role in helping to cut carbon emissions by accelerating the movement to net zero carbon emissions.

But is it enough? And if not, what technologies and processes are available to help support the radical actions needed to meet the challenges ahead?

Our Chief Strategic Development Officer, Dr Stephen Wise, investigates.

“We cannot fix climate change until we transform the global economy, so it’s unsurprising that the circular economy is set to top the agenda of the upcoming COP26. To help put the world on a trajectory to deliver a net zero future, we must accelerate the move to a more sustainable, resource-efficient circular economy. The benefits are undeniable and far-reaching; lower emissions, reduced waste, a more competitive economy, opportunities for new industries – the list goes on.

“The circular economy forms a key part of the solution to tackle climate change and to fulfil the objectives set out in the Paris Agreement. However, the reality is that there’s no silver bullet to achieving net zero carbon emissions. Instead, we must take a holistic approach to how we manage waste.

“It may come as a surprise to learn that despite improved education and society becoming savvier about ‘thinking green’, 11 million tonnes of waste still goes to landfill each year in the UK – enough to cover the whole of Cornwall and Devon if spread one metre deep! It’s an astonishing figure and one that highlights the importance of thinking outside of the ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ box.

“In order to make the radical changes needed to achieve net zero, we must address the fate of all waste, including non-recyclable. Every 100 tonnes of residual industrial and commercial waste waste that goes to landfill generates 47 tonnes of CO2e, plus the transportation of waste for disposal produces further CO2 and particulate emissions. The environmental impact of this so-called ‘forgotten waste’ cannot be ignored. In addition to sustainability strategies focused on the circular economy, FMs must make an overall commitment to reducing the amount of waste that leaves site. Only when the two run in parallel, can businesses stand a more realistic chance of achieving net zero.

“Sending waste to landfill is the least desirable option. It releases greater quantities of greenhouse gases such as methane, produces leachate which requires treatment and can lead to offensive odours which can be harmful to both the environment and public health. Sending waste to incineration means the energy can be recovered but everything is combusted, which leads to greater carbon emissions.

“By embracing biotechnology, organisations can cut up to 50% of waste sent for disposal through innovation – drastically reducing their carbon footprint. Unique blends of bacteria are added to the residual waste and the organic fraction is digested inside enclosed aerobic reactors, which are installed on-site. The only bi-products of the aerobic digestion process is carbon dioxide and water vapour and all that’s left behind is the inorganic fraction, such as plastics which have a potential number of uses.

“This decentralised approach to waste management not only promotes the circular economy and negates the potential for landfill, but encourages businesses to take more responsibility for their own waste – an essential part of future-proofing waste management strategies and accelerating the journey to net zero.”