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We have all become used to the 3R's to some degree: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Recycling has been at the forefront of the conversation of waste for the last 40 years, with Reuse making a resurgence within the last decade. However, Reduce has always been the neglected R with the highest possible impact, but seldom the tools and technology to make it a reality. Moreover, it is a principle of going zero-waste that brings the highest resistance, as it undermines the consumerism mindset that has led us to the waste crisis we face today. But for companies looking to move the needle on their zero-waste goals and minimize their waste footprint, Reduce is an absolute necessity, and they know it.
The professional term for is Circular Procurement - sourcing products and services that prioritize waste reduction, product longevity, and recyclability, thus making a lasting impact on both the environment and the bottom line. In this blog, we’ll explore the benefits of circular procurement, how it can help you achieve zero-waste goals, and what a circular procurement analysis entails.
The Role of Circular Procurement in Waste Reduction
Circular procurement goes beyond traditional buying practices, by incorporating sustainability into every stage of the supply chain. Businesses today are under increasing pressure to cut down on upstream waste, and circular procurement is a proven method to do so. But what exactly does it mean?
Circular procurement ensures that materials procured come from circular suppliers—companies that design products for extended use, repurposing, or recycling, or that have suitable disposal options within their vicinity that can almost guarantee avoiding landfill. By choosing such suppliers, you effectively reduce the overall waste footprint of your business. Additionally, circular procurement encourages the use of products that have been recycled or are recyclable, that can further reduce the CO2 emissions associated with the product being purchased.
How Circular Suppliers Help Minimize Upstream Waste
The waste stream is broken down into 'Downstream', 'Midstream' and 'Upstream'. They are defined as the following (SCISPACE; 2020):
- Downstream: Deals with the disposal of the remaining waste through methods like landfilling or pyrolysis, where high-value products such as bio-oil, biochar, and gas can be obtained from the waste through a high-temperature process in the absence of oxygen
- Midstream: Focuses on collecting and treating the solid waste, ensuring proper segregation at the source and implementing recycling and resource recovery processes
- Upstream: Involves waste generation at its source, including residential, industrial, mining, and rural activities
When focusing on zero-waste goals, understanding upstream waste is crucial. Upstream waste refers to the waste generated before products or materials reach the end user - all of which can significantly contribute to a company's overall waste footprint.
Choosing circular suppliers enables you to cut down on this waste early in the supply chain - before a business is left with the waste and handling fees to get it removed from the premises. Circular suppliers often prioritize low-impact production methods, use recycled materials, and offer take-back programs for products at the end of their lifecycle. This not only minimizes upstream waste but also creates a ripple effect that can reduce waste across your entire value chain.
By collaborating with circular suppliers, businesses can improve their sustainability metrics, often meeting or exceeding regulatory compliance on waste reduction. These benefits make circular procurement methods a vital step in choosing the right partners to help you achieve your zero-waste goals.
Circular Procurement Analysis: A Strategic Approach to Zero-Waste
Implementing a circular procurement strategy begins with a thorough circular procurement analysis. This analysis evaluates your current procurement practices, supplier relationships, and waste management strategies to identify areas where improvements can be made. Through Scrapp's software, we are making this easy to achieve through a centralized web platform that analyses supply chains and uses data to make more informed decisions. Understanding the waste disposal options relevant to the business that can handle the waste when it is generated is the best approach to relieving the burden of waste disposal for your teams further downstream.
A comprehensive circular procurement analysis focuses on several key aspects:
- Waste reduction potential: Identifying where waste occurs in the supply chain and how circular procurement can eliminate it.
- Supplier evaluations: Assessing which suppliers meet circular economy principles and can contribute to your zero-waste goals.
- Lifecycle cost analysis: Weighing the total cost of ownership of products from a waste reduction and recyclability perspective.
The insights gained from a circular procurement analysis can not only help businesses make more sustainable choices but also reduce costs in the long term. By optimizing supplier selection and minimizing waste, companies often find that circular procurement leads to more efficient operations and lower disposal fees.
Conclusion: Make Circular Procurement Your Competitive Advantage
Circular procurement offers a powerful way to reduce your waste footprint that can save time and money within your business. By partnering with circular suppliers, conducting a thorough circular procurement analysis, and focusing on reducing upstream waste, your business can lead the charge toward a zero-waste future.
At Scrapp, we specialize in helping businesses measure and reduce their waste, offering the tools and data you need to track your progress. Ready to take the next step in your zero-waste journey? Contact us today to learn how our waste tracking solutions can help you achieve your circular procurement goals.
How can Scrapp help?
Are you embarking on your own zero-waste journey? Our sustainability experts are here to guide you. So, if you need further guidance, personalized strategies, or more details about our digital recycling tools, don't hesitate to reach out. We're committed to helping you achieve your zero-waste goals.
You can get your own procurement assessment done by the Scrapp team. Book in a call to get started today.
(SCISPACE; 2020) - https://typeset.io/questions/what-are-upstream-midstream-downstream-of-solid-waste-4tymmbv05o