"A new report from ING group says U.S. companies could unlock $4.5 trillion of additional economic output, in just 11 years, if they institute a circular economic model — one that reduces waste, relies less on raw materials, and increasingly uses recycled materials.

​...The report, “Opportunity and Disruption: How Circular Thinking Could Change US Business Models,” surveyed 300 U.S. executives and found 62% plan to move their companies toward a circular economic framework and 16% already have. But the ING report finds that evolution is being done in a fragmented fashion. Most companies focus on the cost savings aspect of circular initiatives and van Riel says, '...by focusing on this benefit businesses will struggle to unlock the full value of the circular economy. Circular models have the potential to redefine businesses by creating new revenue growth opportunities.'"

To read the rest of the article, please visit HERE.

"IKEA has announced plans to start renting its furniture, as part of a move towards a circular economy that includes refurbishing and re-selling products.
The trial furniture rental scheme, due to begin in Switzerland imminently, will initially be limited to office furniture such as desks and chairs.
'We see big potential in inspiring and enabling consumers to play an active role in making the circular economy a reality, and we can facilitate that by developing new business models in relation to how they acquire, care for and pass on products,' explained an IKEA spokesperson.

...Although the trial will only include office furniture at this point, IKEA hasn't ruled out leasing rather than selling kitchens and other products in future."

To read the rest of the article, please visit HERE.

​The recent announcement of Loop, a circular economy shipping platform that emphasizes reusable luxury packaging is attracting significant attention on an international level. Here's an article from Packaging Digest compiling reactions from those who work in the packaging industry:

“Imagine a world in 50 years people look back and say ‘that garbage thing was an odd idea. I’m glad we are over it.’ I LOVE the idea of moving from packaging from something someone owns to something someone borrows and returns. This could honestly revolutionize our industry.” - Adam Peek, WS Packaging Group

“Back to the future. And, premium brands are the way to do this, as they have both the margins and interested customer base to be successful.” -Robert Lilienfeld, BiologiQ

“This week, PTIS and Leading Futurists are kicking off the latest in 20 years of Future of Packaging programs, with several leading companies, including some involved in Loop. So the timing for this announcement is awesome. Whatever the outcome, Loop will look different in 2030 than it does today and will inspire new ways of thinking!" - Brian Wagner, PTIS LLC

​For the rest of the article, please visit HERE.

For over 20 years, RCBC has recognized environmental leadership in British Columbia and beyond with its annual Environmental Awards.  Nominations are now open for the 20th annual RCBC MOBI Environmental Awards. The awards celebrate achievements of British Columbians striving to work towards a world without waste. Nominations are open for eight different sectors, including: educators, youth, public sector, private sector, innovation, media/journalism, non-profit and lifetime achievement. Nominations are currently being accepted online until March 17th, 2019. RCBC encourages those making sustainability a priority in their community or organization to apply.

“The RCBC MOBI awards are an opportunity to recognize zero-waste efforts from boardrooms to classrooms, from grassroots to council groups; everyone has a part to play. For two decades the MOBI awards have recognized leaders, innovators, and change makers from across all sectors in British Columbia,” said RCBC’s CEO Brock Macdonald.

The awards, known as the MOBIs, are named after the Mobius Loop recycling symbol of chasing arrows. “It’s the perfect name and symbol, as we are chasing zero waste. So long as we keep trying, we’re making a tangible difference.” said Macdonald. Keeping with tradition, for the eleventh year the custom awards will be produced using metal, glass and reclaimed materials by Live Metal Studio in Nelson, BC.

This year’s MOBIs recipients will receive their awards at RCBC’s 45th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in Whistler, BC. The awards ceremony is being featured during the Gala Dinner event on the evening of Thursday May 9 th, 2019, where nominees and recipients will be acknowledged for their contributions to the protection and preservation of BC’s environment.

The 2018 RCBC Environmental Awards Winners were:

• Private Sector: Organizations or their employees with outstanding initiatives to preserve and protect our environment. 
  2018 Recipient: Tymac Launch Service
• Non-Profit: Organizations providing services beyond expectations in environmental stewardship.
  2018 Recipient: Pacific National Exhibition
• Innovation Award: Individual or company that achieves an outstanding technical accomplishment in design or development of a product or process that improves its sustainability or advances zero waste practices.
  2018 Recipient: Quupe Inc.
• Media/Journalism Sector: Print or broadcast journalism that contributes to the public understanding of environmental sustainability, recycling and waste reduction.
  2018 Recipient: Basel Action Network
• Education Sector: Excellence in education on environmental Issues 
  2018 Recipient: The Artist Response Team
• Youth Achievement Award: Youth who demonstrates outstanding commitment and leadership in environmental stewardship. 
  2018 Recipient: Jason Pang

For their full winners profile, visit the RCBC Awards Page.