In recent years, many employees have started asking the question: “Do we recycle this cardboard or throw it away?”
This is where the essence of the circular economy begins: bringing it back into the economy, rather than discarding it. But this is not just a matter of sorting garbage. It is a system of reusing resources at every step, from production to consumption, from the office to the field.
Like a story: The Second Life of a Plastic Bottle
Let’s imagine a beverage bottle. First, it takes its place on a supermarket shelf, then after staying on an employee’s desk, it is thrown into the trash. However, if that company works according to the principles of circular economy, that bottle enters the recycling line and turns into raw material. Maybe it becomes part of the zipper used in the company’s promotional bag the following month.
Examples of Circular Economy in the Office
Digitize Paper, Start Saving Trees:
Many companies now digitize printed reports and paper contracts, saving costs and preventing deforestation. As office workers use e-signature systems more effectively, they also reduce their carbon footprint individually.
Don’t Throw Furniture Away, Redesign It:
Old office furniture no longer goes to the wasteyard. It is re-painted, re-fabricated, and reused in recycling workshops with local partnerships. This protects both the budget and the environment.
From Waste to Energy:
In some large factories or logistics centers, waste heat is recovered and used in heating systems. When employees learn that this system is the reason why “air conditioning works so efficiently”, their interest in sustainability increases.
Not Without Technology
Traceability is now the keyword. Employees are now asking, “Where did this product come from, and where is it going?”
For example, a warehouse clerk can see the raw materials used to produce a barcoded product, the number of times it is recycled, and its carbon footprint, thanks to software. This awareness enables the entire supply chain to be managed more consciously.
Sustainability Isn’t Just a KPI—It’s a Core Value
Circular economy is not just the responsibility of the sustainability department. It touches everything, from marketing campaigns to the staff cafeteria, from purchasing decisions to office cleaning products.
As an employee of the company, the cup of coffee you get every morning is made from recycled cardboard, making sustainability a personal experience.
Circular economy doesn’t just change the fate of waste; it changes employee mindsets. Today’s competitive advantage lies not just in efficiency but in how we use our resources. When this mindset becomes part of the company culture, employees willingly become active participants in the system.