In the contemporary scenario today, environmental consciousness is an all-time essential thus leading to the concept of Circular Economy as a beacon of hope. With the introduction of this concept, the traditional ways of production and consumption have been modified. The entire focus has been shifted to the methods of reuse and recycling and the regeneration of the resources. The initiation and the adaptation of this method have not been executed only for the sole purpose of mitigating environmental degradation but also to address the needs and the demands of the Supply Chain without settling for any compromising circumstance for future generations. Thus the need for formulating a sustainable supply chain is one of the crucial needs for the hour.
What is a Circular Economy?
Circular Economy, at its essence, prioritizes the minimization of waste and reduces environmental degradation along with the increment of the lifespan of the products. This method aims at promoting the materials to a closed-loop system catering to the enhancement of the life span of the products. The linear mode of manufacturing and disposal calls for the process of “take-make-dispose”. Unlike this method, in the circular economy, resources are continuously circulated within the economy. This reduces the demand for virgin material and minimizes the impact on the environment. As we tend to shift in the mode of Circular economy we foster an efficiency of resources as well as encourage innovation. It is through this that we can create more economic opportunities while at the same time reducing carbon emissions and waste generation.
What role do Sustainable supply Chains play?
The role of sustainable supply chain has a pivotal role to play in the domain of Circular Economy and also caters to the fulfillment of all of its principles. Through the integration of eco-friendly practices and ethical sourcing as well as responsible manufacturing practices businesses can minimize their environmental footprint. This also helps in ensuring the longevity and resilience of their supply chain. Right from the initiation of sourcing the raw materials from renewable resources to the embracing of green logistics and sustainable packaging solutions, there are several aspects and opportunities in the supply chain to embrace sustainable measures at its totality.
Sustainable supply chains are also beneficial because these are more likely to maintain transparency and accountability of all of the stages that are involved in the complete process. This also allows and creates a space for the stakeholders to trace the journey of the products from production to disposal. It is also effective in elevating and scaling the business because there is room for the consumers to develop their trust in the company. The benefits of this aspect reside in the fact that it fosters a culture of environmental stewardship throughout the entire value chain.
Innovation and Plastic Alternatives
In contemporary times the most significant challenge that has been estimated is the over-reliance on single-use plastic. As the use of plastic is so popularized and has been very efficient for the general masses, the introduction of an alternative is initially an overpowering task to accomplish. Moreover, altering a consumer-driven economy at once is not an easy task. However, several companies are revolutionizing their businesses through innovative products that are introduced as plastic alternatives.
In today’s market, there are several products such as plant-based packaging materials, compostable utensils to BPC (Bamboo Polymer Composite) are some of the alternative products that are likely to change and transform the ecosystem through plastic diversion as these are some of the eminent plastic alternatives.
Furthermore, the advancement in technology as well as material science has paved a new and transformative way for waste management. Processes like chemical recycling and upcycling have been introduced. These innovative measures are not only beneficial for the diversion of waste from landfills but are also needed for the creation of value from the materials that are discarded. The entire process then makes an effective contribution to the circular economy.
How does Amwoodo generate a Holistic Approach?
To achieve a complete sustainable supply chain the necessity of a holistic approach is a prime requisite. To encompass and engage all the various stages of a product lifecycle right from the initial stages of design and production to the consumption followed by disposal are likely to be maintained with transparency to all of the stakeholders in the business. Moreover, the requirement of a collaborative approach among the stakeholders is essential in driving a systemic change and overcoming the hurdles and barriers to achieving a sustainable supply chain.
At Amwoodo, we resort to Bamboo Innovation and use this eco-friendly and bio-degradable material for manufacturing our products. With the usage of innovation and technology, we are motivated towards reducing our reliance on plastic and also pave the way for a greener future. Our achievement so far has been diverting more than 284 Metric Tons of Plastic and in the upcoming years, we wish to divert at least 5% of plastic products toward our sustainable and plastic alternative products.
