From the Publisher

FROM THE

PUBLISHER

Susan Gibson, JSJ Productions, Inc.

A Circular Economy is a Systems Solution

Industry is flooded with information addressing the hot topic of a circular economy. The simple definition is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products if possible. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended. In practice, it implies reducing waste to a minimum. There is a lot of mention about a circular economy inside this issue.

Restorative and regenerative by design, a circular economy means materials constantly flow around a closed-loop system, rather than being used once and then discarded. In the case of plastics, this means simultaneously keeping the value of plastics in the economy, without leakage into the natural environment. We take materials from the Earth, make products from them, and eventually throw them away as waste – the process is linear. In a circular economy, by contrast, we stop waste from being produced in the first place.

In a circular economy, manufacturers design products to be reusable. For example, electrical devices are designed in such a way that they are easier to repair. Products and raw materials are also reused as much as possible. For example, by recycling plastic into pellets for making new plastic products.

This is underpinned by a transition to renewable energy and materials. A circular economy decouples economic activity from the consumption of finite resources. It is a resilient system that is good for businesses, people, and the environment. The circular economy is a systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution.

Experts say this is how we will manage resources for the future, how we will make and use products, and what we will do with the materials afterward. Only then can we create a thriving circular economy that can benefit everyone within the limits of our planet.

One only must ask: What will it take to transform our throwaway economy into one where waste is eliminated, resources are circulated, and nature is regenerated? The circular economy gives us the tools to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss while addressing important social needs. It gives us the power to grow prosperity, jobs, and resilience while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and pollution.

We are so pleased to present an inside look at how Scott Seljan, Seljan Company, has engaged in a fast-growing employeeowned robotics manufacturing company, Rock Lake Robotics. His inspiring journey began due to a need for labor in his own rotomoulding company. Read all about the ideology behind this exciting USA innovative manufacturing story. I also think you will enjoy reading noted economist Michael Gellman’s article on how inflation affects planning, budgets, and operating reserves, but more importantly perceptions. He says to “get out in from of inflation, we need to turn inflation-driven negative feelings into a positive driver for innovative

In the case of plastics, this planning and a wake-up call to action”. Michelle Rose, ARMA CEO, means simultaneously keeping contributes a great review of the 2022 ARMA Conference held recently in the value of plastics in the Melbourne, Australia. This was the economy, without leakage into first time ARMA has met in person in three years due to Covid. Their backthe natural environment. to-basics programming along with great business and social opportunities drove a very successful conference. Ronny Ervik reports on the 2022 Nordic ARM Conference held earlier this year in Copenhagen. The focus of this conference was the circular economy, automation, and innovations. I hope you enjoy the issue! Susan Gibson Publisher & Editor

Publisher & Editor

Susan D. Gibson President - JSJ Productions, Inc. susan@jsjproductionsinc.com

Technical Editor

Alvin Spence PhD MEng aspence@centroinc.com

Process Editor

Paul Nugent PhD MEng paul@paulnugent.com

Design Editor

Michael Paloian President - Integrated Design Systems, Inc. paloian@idsys.com

Global Contributing Editors

Celal Beysel Chairman - Floteks Plastik beysel@superonline.com

Martin Coles Matrix Polymers martin.coles@matrixpolymers.com

Adam Covington Ferry Industries acovington@ferryindustries.com

Mark Kearns Moulding Research Manager m.kearns@qub.ac.uk

Ravi Mehra Managing Director - Norstar International LLC maramehra@aol.com

Advertising and Art Production

Marketing/Advertising Director Jennifer Gibson Hebert Vice President, JSJ Productions, Inc. jennifer@jsjproductionsinc.com

Chief Art Director Anya Wilcox JSJ Productions, Inc. awilcox@designintersection.com

Circulation & Distribution Administration

Sheryl Bjorn JSJ Productions, Inc. sheryl@jsjproductionsinc.com Editing & Translations Suzanne Ketron | Oliver Wandres | Sheryl Bjorn

Website & Online Technology

Jason Cooper JSJ Productions, Inc. jason@bound.by

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