The Circular Economy

The Circular Economy (CE) is an alternative to the traditional linear economy, in which resources are consumed and ‘waste’ is discarded (sometimes described as take, make, use and dispose). In a circular economy, we keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each product service life.

Diagram of a product lifecycle

Product/service lifecycle

Resource efficiency promotes the idea of using resources efficiently at all stages of a product or service lifecycle. The ultimate goal we are pursuing is a ‘closed loop’, minimising or eliminating the need for virgin materials and eliminating waste from every stage in the product lifecycle.

Diagram of the Circular Economy

Circular Economic System

The Circular Economy is a ‘closed loop’ economic system that supports resource efficiency. As we reduce the inputs and outputs at each stage of the product/service lifecycle, we need a supporting system for extracting value and retaining resources in the system.

What can you do?

There are a number of things that small to medium-sized businesses can do to increase their resource efficiency and support the development of the Circular Economy in Tasmania.

Choose recyclable materials

If there are no recycled options for the materials you use, then choose virgin materials that have established recycling systems and known secondary markets. For example, food safety standards exclude the use of recycled plastics in food production but choosing common plastics like polypropylene and high-density polyethylene will increase opportunities for recycling. For single use plastics, consider compostable materials.

Image of employee at Bridestowe Lavender Estate sorting materials
Bridestowe Lavender Estate has established processes for separating waste into material types. Employees have been trained to recognise different types of plastic and have created a sensory board as a guide.

Design for sustainability

Design your products so that component parts can be easily replaced, repaired or separated for recycling. Think about your business model and pricing strategy – does it support after-sales services like spare parts replacement, repairs or servicing of products to extend their useful life? See our webpage on Sustainable Design for more information.

Include recycled content

Make the switch to recycled materials, or products with recycled content. This helps create the demand for recycled materials. For example, if you have products or packaging that include paper or plastic materials, make sure they include at least some recycled content.

Manage your materials

Introduce procedures for sorting and separating waste in-process to keep material streams as free from contaminants as possible. Think about your responsibility as a producer; what happens to the materials you use in your products and/or services when their useful life is over? Are there opportunities for you to reclaim them and reintroduce them to the system?

Influence your supply chain

As a customer, you can influence your supply chain to support the circular economy. For example, you could ask your suppliers to use recycled packaging, or develop re-usable packaging solutions.

As a supplier, you can educate your customers to help them make choices that support the Circular Economy. This might include offering recycled alternatives and providing information about how to recycle the materials in your products at the end of its useful life.

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“We are very efficient at many things already because stinginess is a waste-fighting superpower!”
Karina DambergsCidermaker, Red Brick Road Ciderworks
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“I had really good engagement from staff. Everyone wants to be a part of the solution.”
Anna RobertsonGeneral Manager, Bridestowe Lavender Estate
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“I learned a lot from other set members, who had more experience with this type of project.”
Greg HillierCookery Teacher, Drysdale Training Restaurant
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“I appreciated having people outside my business to help me reflect on my achievements and celebrate successes along the way.”
Fiona TurnerVigneron, Jinglers Creek Vineyard
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“I discovered that we’re not isolated, there are common themes around resource efficiency across businesses and industries​."
Brett WheldonSystems Coordinator, CPT Engineering
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“Changing our mindset from ‘reducing waste’ to ‘improving quality’ made a big difference.”
Scott LovellOwner/Manager, Think Big Visual Solutions
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“A key learning for me was the important part industry plays in reducing waste in Tasmania.”
Phil StephensonChief Production Officer, Nichols Poultry
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“Finding a solution for fibre composite waste would be ground-breaking and quite significant. I feel we have come very close.”
Darren EmmertonProduction Manager, Penguin Composites
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“Check your waste contracts, don’t just renew them. You may find there is a strong business case for diverting waste from landfill.”
Adam SuttonProject Manager, Pitt & Sherry
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“It was great to get ideas from other businesses and see some of our ideas adopted by others in the group.”
Bronte RichardsonProgrammer, Direct Edge Engineering
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“Your company must be fully on board, right to the top, before you look at funding options.”
Ray HoweProduction Manager & Chief Engineer, Botanical Resources Australia
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“We’ve been really inspired by some of the solutions being developed in the different sectors that we were exposed to during the program.”
Kim RobinsonManaging Director, The Cove Tasmania
Kim Robinson, The Cove Tasmania
“There is no time to waste. George Town and the surrounding areas are ideal for developing a model for regenerative systems in regional areas.”
Frank StrieManaging Director, Terra Preta Developments
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“We’re driven by the tangible impact of sequestering tonnes of carbon, the co-benefits for the environment, and the potential to catalyse a cascade of carbon capture.”
Christina GiudiciCo-founder, The New Black Biochar
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“Working intensively with the group, we clearly defined niche customer groups for the Reuse Shed.”
Mica PerezProject manager, The Reuse Shed
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“Having to clearly define the problem to a group is helpful. The active listening and open questions are really valuable.”
John MeehanOperations Manager, Mitchell Plastic Welding
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The Business Resource Efficiency Program is delivered by BALT in partnership with the Tasmanian government.