A world with 2024 in the rearview mirror standing at an important crossroads on the road to Sustainable circular economy.
Earth911 tracked this year’s ups and downs in the movement to reduce waste, maximize resources and move towards a renewable economic model. Despite the impending environmental policy upheaval with Donald Trump’s re-election, there are signs that sustainable and circular practices are gaining ground thanks to promising innovations. We asked podcast guests for their opinions, reviewed influential authors and shared their predictions for 2025.
You can explore many of these issues further by: Earth911 sustainability for your ears podcast Gain insights from leaders and innovators. If you want to know what you accomplished this year, look back. 2023 Summary.
Circular economy in 2024: where we stand
The global economy continues to struggle with resource inefficiency. This year’s report shows that only 7.2% of materials are recycled and put back into use, which is down from last year. This alarming decline reveals a gap between aspirations and actionable progress.
- Policy and law: Policies such as the European Union’s Green Deal and France’s anti-waste and circular economy law are expanding repairability obligations and material recovery requirements. However, enforcement remains difficult. Listen to an episode of Earth911 On circular policy innovations for detailed investigation.
- Corporate participation: Major companies are also increasing their participation. Cisco has pledged to design its products around 100% circular principles by 2025, while tech giants like Apple and Dell are increasing investments in recycled materials and product recovery programs. please listen A stimulating discussion about corporate and personal responsibility On the podcast.
- Consumer awareness: Transparency initiatives such as improved labeling and repairability scorecards are increasing circularity awareness among consumers. However, adoption of these practices varies by region and industry.
Drive circularity with innovation in 2024
This year has seen significant progress in several industries.
- Fashion breakthroughs: The fashion industry continues to lead the way in textile recycling innovation. Companies like Syre are beginning to build advanced recycling facilities in North Carolina. Explore Earth911’s 2024 Podcasts and Articles Find out more about the fashion recycling revolution coming to a store near you in the next few years.
- Electronic waste solutions: Tech companies and startups are stepping up efforts to close the electronics loop through modular design and increased producer responsibility. please listen Sustainability in your ears episode about Choose sustainable electronics and Building a circular economy for electronics.
- Packaging: Efforts to reduce plastic waste gained momentum in 2024, with bioplastics and refillable systems gaining market share. Click here for details compostable and reusable Packaging Trends on Earth911 Podcast.
construction perspective
Grant Quasha, CEO eco material technology and guest on Sustainability in your earssuggests that concerns about environmental policy reversals are unlikely to hinder progress in the adoption of sustainable, low-carbon concrete. In an email to Earth911, he explained that the domestic supply chain is greener and more resilient, and that he is “putting America first” as a cap on election results. supply is expanding rapidly Fly ash collected from an abandoned factory site by Eco Materials gives concrete manufacturers access to reliable domestic resources, with the added benefit of advancing decarbonization goals.
How sustainability professionals will feel in 2025
Founder of Joel Makauer trellisPreviously known as GreenBiz until earlier this year, Based on the outlook of sustainability experts 2024 has been a year of challenges and resilience, but Makower’s informal survey finds many experts are cautiously optimistic despite growing political pressure . And the evidence suggests that some sustainability activists have reason to be concerned.
Since the election, several prominent companies have publicly revised or reduced their sustainability goals.
- unilever: In December, Unilever merges sustainability and external communications departmentssuggesting a shift to a more pragmatic approach to sustainability. The company readjusted its environmental goals, extending deadlines and scaling back certain goals such as the use of virgin plastic and circular packaging. The move has drawn criticism for potentially setting a negative precedent for consumer goods companies, of which Unilever is one of the largest and most frequent trendsetters..
- coca cola: Coca-Cola also announces changes to its environmental goals In December, he specifically addressed recycling and reuse goals. The company aims to use 35% to 40% recycled content in its packaging by 2035, a downward revision from its previous target of 50% by 2020.30. Additionally, Coca-Cola will recycle 70% of its bottles and cans by 2035, compared to its previous commitment to recycle one bottle or can for every bottle or can sold by 2030. % is expected to be recovered. Environmental groups have criticized these changes as harmful. and irresponsibleLe.
- volvo: Since before the elections in September 2024, Volvo revises its “EV or bankruptcy” strategyThe company originally aimed to have a complete electric vehicle lineup by 2030. Citing weak market demand and the need for better industry and government support, the company has adjusted its goal of aiming for 90-100% electric models by 2030, incorporating both hybrid and battery electric power. vehicle. Despite this adjustment, Volvo remains committed to sustainability and aims to be carbon neutral by 2040.
Research by Joel Makower shows sustainability professionals are bracing for more challenging years ahead, where economic uncertainty and political change could test the momentum of sustainability efforts. I found out that Makower wrote that large companies are expected to maintain commitment while moving towards practical, scalable solutions and deeper collaboration across sectors, sending a different message to investors. There is.
What to expect in 2025
This year promises to bring opportunities and challenges to the circular economy.
- Scaling innovation: Many startups piloting circular solutions in 2024 plan to scale up in 2025. More efficient recycling facilities and available consumer options are expected, especially in developed markets. we A conversation with Tara Karimi, co-founder of Cemvita Regarding converting CO2 into consumer products, EVRNU’s Stacey Flynn talks about textile recyclingand Alter Eco Foods CEO Keith Bearden talks about regenerative chocolate farminghere are some recent interviews. Did we forget to mention kelp-based fibers? Tessa Gallagher, founder of Keel Labs We made kelp stylish.
- Adopting circular design: Companies will increasingly adopt circular principles in product development. a Recent interview with IKEA’s Mardi Ditidze Learn more about how circular thinking can transform retail. and, another podcast episodeVivian Tai GS1 USThe company, which maintains a universal product code, explained that it is committed to enabling sustainable consumer choices by partnering with and tracking the entire supply chain. hall chain.
- Global collaboration: New international agreements on waste reduction and resource sharing could be signed in 2025 as global organizations focus on sustainability. Even if the United States retreats from aggressive environmental efforts, the rest of the world is moving forward. America’s Competitiveness Requires Green Leadership, Clean Power Hour Host Tim Montague discussed on a recent Earth911 podcast.
- Consumer engagement: Public interest in sustainable living is expected to increase as governments and NGOs fund educational campaigns.it hurts. Shoppers are delighted Pay a 9.7% premium for sustainable productsand 76% according to Bain & Company research Respondents said they believed their choices could bring about positive change.
The road ahead
Despite the progress and electoral setbacks in 2024, it is clear that responding to a circular economy requires bold action and institutional change the goal. The next year will be critical in determining how well policy, technology and consumer behavior can be aligned. If you want to know more, check out the following conversation. sustainability for your ears.
Changing a civilization that is currently largely comfortable is never easy. 2025 will be a pivotal year in which our continued personal commitment to the environment will be central to the growth of the circular economy. Stay informed and empowered. we are together can Close the loop.
