Cradle. We also need systems in place
for recovering used materials and
reusing them through the biological
metabolism of composting and the
technical metabolism of recycling. For
example, the #5 plastic, polypropylene, is a very recyclable polymer that
can be used in a range of applications, but there is not a widely available recycling system today.
Collaboration among manufacturers,
retailers, recyclers and consumers
could provide for a wholly new, successful, technical metabolism where
none exists now.
These metabolisms must maintain
the materials at as high of a value as
possible, and in ways that allow them
to have a range of uses following their
next life. Simply “downcycling” a bale
of dissimilar polymers from a loading
dock into a lower quality speed bump
or park bench is not innovative or
optimal. The dissimilar polymers cannot be separated when the speed
bump wears out, simply delaying the
inevitable trip to the landfill or incinerator. We need more creative, valuable solutions that eliminate the very
concept of waste itself. We need to
design our products and their life
cycles to create future material
resources, not dead ends.
Today’s recycling and composting
are not the answers but new products,
designed for post-use systems, and
new processes for recovering products
and materials, to place into safe, effective recycling and composting can be
the solution. We are imagining a system of perpetual material flows—a
materials economy—where safe and
healthy nutrients move easily from
one application to another, avoiding
even the thought of a landfill.
We need to create a system of
“upcycling.” Instead of speed bumps
and park benches, materials would be
optimized for health and recyclability
because a part of the system would
remove any problematic substances.
For example, a problematic residual catalyst would be removed from an existing polymer and replaced with an optimized material so it could be safely used
in a wide range of additional products in future. The first steps in realizing this
ideal is to fully inventory what you’re currently using and then replace any substances that interfere with healthy cycling. We find that often the most minor
“We need to design our
products and their life cycles to
create future material resources,
not dead en”ds.”
additives are the ones that create the greatest havoc for well-functioning material metabolisms. For example, chlorinated pigment within inks can create
dioxin when it is landfilled or incinerated. Avoiding such pigments makes a
material more safely recyclable. Intentional material selection, effective product design and productive recovery systems are critical to the solution.
OP: The idea of “waste equals food,” ensuring that everything can be broken
down to be a nutrient for new creation is also a big part of this concept. How
does this work?
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Canola Oil
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Division, Spectrum Foods Inc.
2520 S. Grand Ave East, Springfield, IL 62703
(217) 391-0091, #11 • (217) 391-0096 fax
info@spectrum-foods.com • www.nexcelfoods.com
