Environmentally-conscious corporate behavior has recently come into more widespread practice – most notably, the elimination of plastic straws by companies such as Starbucks and Disney. According to an article in Forbes, the global economy’s use of plastic is indicative of a linear economy – an economy that uses and wastes. The article also highlights that of the 8.3 billion tonnes of plastic that have ever been produced, around 4.9 billion has simply been thrown away.
“The benefits of a circular economy for society, the planet and for businesses themselves are clear… Resource productivity is maximised, enabling companies and economies to address emerging resource security and scarcity concerns”
Dassault Systèmes, named the most sustainable company in the world for 2018, is focused on sustainable innovation as part of our core DNA. But we also help our customers work to extend their sustainability. With our solutions, has simultaneously increased cost efficiency, created more lightweight plastic containers, and promoted sustainable business practice.
But science may be coming up with a solution to the challenges of plastic. According to a recent article from The New York Times, companies can further promote sustainability using self-destructing, bio-degradable plastic – made possible through the process of “unzipping polymers that [are] chemically recyclable” – given that consumers also do their part in the recycling process. The possibilities and opportunities of new materials is changing many markets. This was discussed at this year’s Science in the Age of Experience – see here for a write up from CIM Data. These changes may help companies maintain and even increase their levels of success in the transition into a circular economy.
Nafisa is a second-year student at the University of Virginia looking to major in Media Studies but is open to wherever life takes her. She grew up between Bangladesh, Pakistan and America and is most passionate about news writing, Chick Fil A spicy chicken sandwiches, and dog memes.