A CIRCULAR FUTURE

Over the past few decades, the status quo has been to extract new materials almost every time that something is produced. The consequences have been wideranging, from losses in biodiversity to excess levels of waste, rising global temperatures and pollution. Currently, the linear economic system is causing numerous environmental harms and so the status quo needs to shift towards a global economy based around the principles of circularity. It’s worth noting that discussions around the circular economy often lead to greenwashing and other negative reputational issues but what’s truly important are genuine efforts to protect the environment when the health of the planet is at risk.

Technology companies are not only in the position of being able to make positive changes when it comes to circularity, but can also help to provide much-needed solutions, as mentioned above. However, waste produced by the technology industry has had a significant impact on the environment as older products become outdated and end up as electronic waste. Sustainability and longevity need to be top priorities for products so that the ultimate environmental impacts are minimised for the long term. The product life cycle will therefore need to encompass the principles of circularity at all stages, from design and production to operations and ultimate disposal.

In a circular economy, waste is returned to the economy and reused rather than ending up in landfills. Larger and smaller technology companies alike have started to design products using recycled materials and this trend can only be expected to continue in the coming years. Many of the raw materials used in components such as semiconductors will eventually be depleted and their extraction has numerous environmental impacts. The technologies of the future may not be as reliant on oil to make plastics for example but their production is very much dependent on precious natural resources such as lithium and cobalt that need to be effectively conserved.

Looking Forwards

A greener future will depend on everyone doing their bit and technology businesses will have a crucial role to play. Supply chains form a critical part of the sustainability puzzle and they must not be overlooked when it comes to creating a more sustainable future.