INDUSTRY UNLOCKED range of shoes comprised of plastic bottles , industrial scraps and t-shirts ( up to 90 %) and has managed to ‘ eliminate almost 9.5 million kilogrammes of waste ’ by removing toe stuffing in packaging .
4 . Patagonia – protecting the great outdoors
Patagonia has been prioritising the creation of environmentally friendly climbing products ever since the founder of the company found out how they damaged the environment . The company is comprehensively committed to the circular economy with investment into efficient water usage , renewable energy and recycling and reusing .
These are just some of the brands taking the circular economy seriously . There ’ s also Lego , famous for its use of plastics , prioritising research into the use of alternative materials such as sugar cane and wood so it can make its products completely sustainable by 2030 .
Ikea has its take-back programme that allows for customers to return their furniture for repurposing or recycling ; Unilever uses ethicallysourced palm oil and H & M has initiated a clothing collection programme so people can return clothes for recycling and repurposing .
As companies become more engaged in change , it has become increasingly important to get consumers on board so that millions of tonnes of waste are drastically reduced and reused for the health of people and the planet .
At ERA , we believe that a consistent commitment to the green economy is starting to show dividends . We have developed amazing working relationships with several e-waste recyclers , we have prioritised sustainable solutions and paid attention to consumer education . In 2023 , ERA collected and processed 10,741,986 kgs of e-waste – an impressive 22 % of the total e-waste collection target for the entire country as set by the Department of Forestry , Fisheries and the Environment ( DFFE ). x
Ashley du Plooy , CEO , E-Waste Recycling Authority www . intelligentcxo . com
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