Introducing Circular Economy Ideas to the Real World
Bob Cappadona
July 5, 2016
The circular economy model works by finding value in used byproducts and redistributing risk, and is designed to mirror the natural cycles of our ecosystem by dramatically reducing waste and pollution. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation calls it “restorative and regenerative by design.”
The concept may seem unfamiliar, but most companies are already thinking about ways to limit waste in their operations. Indeed, looking for opportunities to reduce waste and reuse it wherever possible to save money is a commonsense first step to the circular economy. Although different industries will have different approaches, smart companies all focus on the bottom line and therefore understand the value in reducing waste costs.
One company we're familiar with is putting these ideas into action in the paint industry. We collaborate with them to supply them with the solvent they need, which we generate by reclaiming two chemicals from the waste stream of a pharmaceutical client. If these chemicals weren’t reclaimed by Veolia, they would have been wasted. And when a paint company purchases a virgin solvent from a business like Veolia, they’re participating in the circular economy.
For companies like this, a circular economy solution reduces waste and generates value while reducing the risk and liability of product disposal. It’s a commonsense approach tailored to the needs of that industry.
For those of you who are looking to initiate circular economy thinking in your own operations, what are some of the challenges you're facing? What are some of the waste streams you're producing that you think might provide an input for another business?
To discuss these questions, and to review different approaches for different industries, join Veolia on July 13 for the NAEM webinar, "Bringing Circular Economy Concepts to the Real World."
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About the Author
Bob Cappadona
Veolia
Bob currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Operations for Veolia North America's Industrial Business Environmental Solutions & Services and Industrial Canada, leading operations, sales, customer service and business development for these operating groups. During his 24 years working with Veolia he has held many positions and worked with regulatory affairs, environmental health and safety and service and operations in the hazardous and regulated waste business.
Bob joined Veolia in 1991, as the Director of Regulatory Affairs for Veolia Environmental Services' hazardous waste management operations. In 1996 he became the General Manager for New England branch operations, and became the Vice President of Service Operations for the Eastern region of the company in 2008. Bob then assumed responsibility for Veolia's industrial operations in the Western Region in 2012, a role he held until his current appointment.
Prior to joining Veolia, Bob worked in Environmental Health and Safety for General Electric. He began his career as an engineer in 1987, and went on to become an EH&S Manager for the company's semiconductor manufacturing operations in the U.S. and Europe by 1989. Bob holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, and has completed extensive graduate studies in both toxicology and environmental health.
Bob joined Veolia in 1991, as the Director of Regulatory Affairs for Veolia Environmental Services' hazardous waste management operations. In 1996 he became the General Manager for New England branch operations, and became the Vice President of Service Operations for the Eastern region of the company in 2008. Bob then assumed responsibility for Veolia's industrial operations in the Western Region in 2012, a role he held until his current appointment.
Prior to joining Veolia, Bob worked in Environmental Health and Safety for General Electric. He began his career as an engineer in 1987, and went on to become an EH&S Manager for the company's semiconductor manufacturing operations in the U.S. and Europe by 1989. Bob holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, and has completed extensive graduate studies in both toxicology and environmental health.