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Waste Not

The latest in the growing number of efforts directed at reducing, repurposing and ultimately eliminating waste in all its forms.

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Molecular Recycling Could Be Crucial to Realizing a Circular Economy

Cross-Posted from The Next Economy. We caught up with Eastman’s Plastics Division President, Scott Ballard, who explained the potential of molecular recycling as the company prepares to show the world what’s possible.

How the US’s Most Abundant Crop Is Changing the Way Plastic Is Produced

Cross-Posted from From Purpose to Action: Building a Sustainable Future Together. In a perfect example of the circular economy in action, corn stover — stalks and leaves left over from harvest — becomes a valuable cash crop for which farmers can get paid.

Venerable Japanese Company Goes Circular with Versatile, Upcycled Textile

Cross-Posted from Chemistry, Materials & Packaging. Meet NUNOUS — a brand-new, radically versatile material made from fabric waste — developed by fabric-dyeing giant Seishoku Co., Ltd.

New Frontiers in Sustainable Healthcare

Healthcare facilities are extremely complex physical environments. As such, sustainability initiatives will require more planning, research and pilots to ensure organizations are safely implementing initiatives without impacting the provision of patient care.

How Circularity, AI Are Mending Cracks in Our Fractured Food System

Cross-Posted from Product, Service & Design Innovation. Naturally, food and its many issues has been a major topic this week at SB’23 San Diego. Here, two panels of innovators share their approaches to filling in systemic gaps in our food system.

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Companies Designing out Waste Will Run Circles Around Those with Linear Business Models

This week at SB’23 San Diego, two illuminating panels featured experts from a variety of aspects of the emerging circular economy, who shared key insights and lessons learned in the pursuit of circularity.

Making Something Out of Nothing: Time for a Rethink About Waste

Excess is inevitable; and we should re-evaluate our understanding of what businesses do with it accordingly. Instead of thinking of excesses as the end of a story, recognize the potential of wastes as the start of something new.

Princeton, Microsoft Co-Develop Wireless Solution to Combat Produce Waste

High-frequency wireless tech will help suppliers sort fruit based on fine-grained ripeness measurements — enabling distributors and retailers to save good fruit and veg from being thrown out with the bad, and move ripe fruit to the front of the line.

From Landfills to Biogas and Healthier Crops: The Anaerobic Digestion Revolution

Cross-Posted from Cleantech. The role of waste-management practices in our journey towards a more sustainable future cannot be overstated. Anaerobic digestion’s multitude of benefits demonstrate its potential to turn ‘waste’ into valuable resources.

‘Zero-Waste Chef’ Campaign Inspires Canadians to Eliminate At-Home Food Waste

Cross-Posted from Behavior Change. SkipTheDishes partnered with the Circular Innovation Council and top Canadian chefs to inspire consumers to reimagine their takeout leftovers and reduce food waste.

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Nestlé, Cargill, CCm Upcycling Cocoa Shells into Low-Carbon Fertilizer

As part of Nestlé’s bid to source 50% of its key ingredients from regenerative-ag methods by 2030, the three are turning the waste steam into a win-win, circular solution for food companies and farmers alike.

Nike Unveils Fully Circular Shoe Designed for Disassembly, Recyclability

Cross-Posted from Product, Service & Design Innovation. Nike’s ISPA (Improvise, Scavenge, Protect, Adapt) design philosophy challenges creators to experiment, break molds and reimagine products. The ISPA Link Axis uses interlocking components, as few materials as possible and zero glue.

How to Win Big with a Recycling Challenge

Last year, we set the record for World’s Largest College Recycling Event; but we didn’t want this to be a one-time win. So this year, we’ve recruited new partners to heighten the competition and increase the impact.

Collaborative Relationships Key to Overcoming Obstacles on the Path to a Circular Economy

Cross-Posted from Collaboration. Forging strategic partnerships can unlock immediate win-win solutions while also creating a roadmap for future success across the supply network.

The Tennessee River’s Biggest Fan Is a 14-Year-Old Boy Passionate About Conservation

Cross-Posted from From Purpose to Action: Building a Sustainable Future Together. In this conversation with ‘the Conservation Kid,’ Cash Daniels, we learn more about what drives his passion to clean up the Tennessee River and lead his generation toward a brighter future.

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No More Styrofoam: 2 Startups Creating Viable, Sustainable Alternatives with Ag Waste

By upcycling coconut husks and shrimp shells, Fortuna Cools and Cruz Foam are diverting agricultural waste from landfill and offering circular polystyrene alternatives that match its performance.

Mercari: Brands Would Do Well to Join the ‘Resale Revolution’

Cross-Posted from The Next Economy. Younger consumers are pushing resale into mainstream retail; and it’s changing how brands, platforms and other services that support commerce support and strategize around it.

Waste Is Only Waste If We Waste It: Demystifying Anaerobic Digestion

Cross-Posted from Cleantech. The benefits of anaerobic digestion for recycling various kinds of organic farm waste are far-reaching — including waste management, renewable energy generation, GHG reduction, economic advantages and agricultural sustainability.

Increasing Accessibility and Revitalizing Forgotten Devices: Shouldn’t We Be Able to Upgrade Our Laptops?

Cross-Posted from The Next Economy. Those who regularly partake in upgrade programs will have access to the best possible devices, while partaking in a sustainable business practice that enhances the wellbeing of people and the planet.

Researchers Upcycling Kale, Plastic Waste Into Personal Care, Pharmaceutical Ingredients

Savvy scientists from Scotland and Singapore have developed sustainable ways to breathe new life into vegetable and plastic waste, as well as local manufacturing.

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