The circular economy is a concept that has been gaining traction in recent years, and for good reason. In a world where resources are limited, we need to find ways to better use what we have, and the circular economy provides a framework for doing just that.
In the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, especially in the drinks industry, single-use plastic is a huge problem. It’s estimated that globally, only 9% of plastic is recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills or polluting our oceans and waterways. This is harmful to the environment and unsustainable in the long run.
The circular economy offers a solution to this problem. Instead of a linear model where we extract resources, use them to make products, and dispose of them; the circular economy aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible. This means designing products that can be reused, repaired, or recycled and creating closed-loop systems where waste is minimised, and resources are continually cycled back into the economy.
Implementing a circular economy means finding alternatives to single-use packaging in the beverage industry. At Zentient Culture, we are committed to reducing our environmental impact. We use stainless steel kegs instead of plastic bottles or plastic-lined cans to deliver our kombucha to our customers. Kegs are reusable and can be refilled multiple times, with a life expectancy of up to 30 years, which reduces the amount of waste we produce and helps to keep resources in use for longer.
Another way we embrace the circular economy is by sourcing our ingredients locally and organically. By supporting local farmers and growers, we can help to create a closed-loop system where waste is minimised and resources are continually cycled back into the local economy.
The circular economy is not just good for the environment; it also makes good business sense. By adopting circular business models, companies can reduce costs and increase efficiency while creating new business opportunities and revenue streams. In a world where resources are becoming scarcer and more expensive, the circular economy offers a way to create a more sustainable and prosperous future for everyone.
The circular economy is crucial to our future to conserve resources. Companies can reduce their environmental impact by ditching single-use packaging and opting for local ingredients while boosting efficiency and uncovering new growth opportunities. At Zentient Culture, we're passionate about embracing circular business models, and we hope to inspire others to join us on this journey towards a more sustainable future. Thanks for being a part of it!