CIRCULAR ECONOMY OF PLASTICS - A Simple Guide to Full Circle Recycling -

Think of it like a never-ending circle:

Circular Economy : Make -> Use -> Recycle -> Remake -> Use Again
Conventional Way : Make -> Use -> Throw away

Detailed Breakdown:

 
Design Phase:

• Think Smart from Start
• Design for recycling
• Use single materials
• Easy to disassemble
• Less mixed materials

Key Principles:

• Recyclable materials
• Minimize waste
• Simple structures
• Easy separation

PRODUCTION:

Better Manufacturing:

• Less waste
• Energy efficient
• Clean processes
• Use recycled material

Key Steps:

• Reduce scrap
• Reuse runners
• Recycle in-house
• Quality control 

USE PHASE :

Smart Consumption:

• Long-lasting products
• Repairable items
• Multiple uses
• Responsible use

Consumer Role:

• Buy durable goods
• Maintain products
• Repair when possible
• Proper disposal

COLLECTION: 

Organized Gathering:

• Separate collection
• Clean materials
• Proper sorting
• Regular pickup

Systems:

• Curbside pickup
• Drop-off points
• Deposit schemes
• Take-back programs

SORTING:

Careful Separation:

• By material type
• By color
• By grade
• Remove contaminants

Methods:

• Manual sorting
• Automated systems
• Optical sorting
• Density separation

RECYCLING:

Processing Steps:

• Cleaning
• Shredding
• Melting
• Pelletizing

Types:

• Mechanical recycling
• Chemical recycling
• Energy recovery
• Upcycling

NEW PRODUCTS: 

Making New Things:

• Same quality products
• Different applications
• Mixed with virgin
• New markets

Examples:

• Bottles to bottles
• Bags to lumber
• Containers to fiber
• Films to pipes

BENEFITS:

Environmental:

• Less waste
• Lower emissions
• Resource saving
• Less pollution

Economic:

• New businesses
• Job creation
• Cost savings
• Resource value

Social: 

• Better environment
• Local jobs
• Less litter
• Community engagement

KEY PLAYERS:

Manufacturers:

• Design better
• Use recycled
• Make recyclable
• Reduce waste

Consumers:

• Buy smart
• Use longer
• Recycle right
• Reduce waste

Recyclers:

• Better sorting
• Higher quality
• New technologies
• More efficiency

Government:

• Sets rules
• Supports systems
• Creates incentives
• Monitors progress

CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS:

Challenges:

• Mixed materials
• Contamination
• Collection costs
• Market development

Solutions:

• Better design
• Better collection
• New technologies
• Market support

SUCCESS FACTORS:

Key Points:

• Everyone involved
• Good design
• Clean materials
• Working markets
• Right technology