Recycling rewards
The concept of the circular economy requires movement from a linear order of production (use then disposal) to a model that emphasises recycling and reusing products as much as possible.
General Motors has proven the commercial benefit of such a move, claiming to generate $1bn in annual revenue from recycling. In last year’s sustainability report, GM also reported it used 199.8MW of renewable energy in 2016, saving $5m in the process.
GM’s model is marked by its creative commitment to reuse, which ultimately contributes to its bottom line. Products previously discarded – like the test tyres from a GM proving ground – are now repurposed for manufacturing air and water baffles in its vehicles.
Fundamentally, GM’s success relies on delayed gratification; investing in sustainability entails upfront costs – such as hiring resource management employees – but clearly pays off in the long term.
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