What if the packaging from your favourite products never became waste? No landfills filling up, no plastic polluting our oceans—just packaging that keeps going, reused over and over. Enter the circular economy, a concept that’s changing the way we think about waste and sustainability—one package at a time.
So, what is the circular economy, and why is circular packaging so important? Let’s break it down!
What is the Circular Economy?
The circular economy is like giving the Earth a big hug by rethinking how we design, produce, and dispose of products. Instead of the traditional "take, make, waste" model (think: single-use plastics and endless landfills), the circular economy focuses on keeping materials in use for as long as possible. It’s all about closing the loop—recycling, reusing, and regenerating materials rather than throwing them away.
Imagine buying a product in a sleek, reusable container. When you're done, instead of tossing it, you return it, and it gets cleaned and refilled for the next customer. That’s the power of circular packaging in action!
Why is Circular Packaging Important?
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Less Waste, More Love for the Planet Packaging waste is a huge problem. Canadians throw away over 3 million tonnes of plastic per year, about half of which comes from packaging. Circular packaging helps to drastically reduce this waste by reusing materials, which means less pollution and fewer overflowing landfills.
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Saving Resources (and Money!) Creating new packaging from raw materials uses a lot of energy and resources. Circular packaging, on the other hand, uses fewer raw materials because items are designed to be reused multiple times. This not only conserves resources but can also lead to cost savings over time for companies and consumers alike.
- It Empowers Each of Us to be Part of the Solution By selecting products with circular packaging, we can actively contribute to reducing waste. Every time you return a reusable container or support a brand that values circularity, you're driving industries toward more sustainable practices.
How Can You Support the Circular Economy?
- Buy from Brands that Prioritize Circular Packaging: Keep an eye out for companies using sustainable packaging solutions like glass, metal, or other materials designed for reuse. Refilleries or low-waste stores are also great options for buying products in reusable containers. Check out this directory to find a low-waste store near you.
- Make Return & Reuse a Habit: Whenever you can, reuse the products and packaging you have, or return reusable containers to stores or manufacturers to be cleaned and used again. While it's true that not many companies are willing to take back empty packaging, this is starting to change. Goodwash Soap, among other brands, has partnered with Circulr to collect, clean, and reuse packaging. To learn more and find participating brands and collection points, check out Circulr.
- Spread the Word: Share the benefits of circular packaging with your friends and family. By creating more demand for circular solutions, we can encourage more companies to adopt sustainable packaging. The more people who get on board, the bigger the impact!
Final Thoughts
The circular economy isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessary shift to ensure a more sustainable future. Circular packaging is one small but impactful way we can reduce our environmental footprint, conserve resources, and protect our planet for generations to come.
So, next time you’re shopping, think about where that package will end up. With circular packaging, you can be part of a solution that makes a difference, one reusable container at a time!
Let’s keep the cycle going!
Susana
Founder, Goodwash Soap
Proud Member of the Circular Innovation Council
Learn more about the Circular Economy here:
Circular Innovation Council
Ellen Macarthur Foundation