Partnering to accelerate the New Zealand circular economy

The circular economy is the economy of the future, and 3R Group are proud to have joined as Foundation Partners of the newly launched Circular Economy Accelerator (CEA).
3R, along with Fuji Xerox are the first to get on board with the Sustainable Business Network-led initiative. As the name suggests it aims to speed up the growth of the circular economy in New Zealand.
“It’s crucial that the CEA aligns with suitable organisations and the work 3R Group have been doing for years to facilitate a more circular economy in New Zealand is truly impressive,” says SBN General Manager Projects and Advisory James Griffin.
“We are delighted that they have come onboard as a Foundation Partner to allow us to create a platform for increased circularity in New Zealand, as their services demonstrably help organisations provide circular solutions.”
The circular economy model is certainly nothing new, in fact it mimics how the natural world works. In recent years the approach has gained traction as governments and businesses around the world begin to put more emphasis on sustainability and climate change action.
The old linear economy is simply not sustainable. It leads to millions of tonnes of wasted resources each year in New Zealand alone, and results in expanding landfills as well as land, air and water pollution. In contrast, the circular economy maximises the lifecycle of resources, optimises their usage and ensures products are re-utilised at the end of their life.
There are also other benefits, such as encouraging sustainable and smarter design, improved efficiencies, innovation and reduced dependency on virgin materials, as well as the positive environmental impacts these benefits bring.
The circular economy is at the heart of the 3R philosophy of combining science and imagination to repurpose waste. Product stewardship – a core aspect of the 3R business – is vital to creating and sustaining a circular economy.
3R Chief Executive Adele Rose says we are proud to take a leadership position in the New Zealand circular economy. Moving from a ‘take, make, waste’ model to a circular economy opens up an exciting new way of doing business and brings with it a wealth of opportunities for New Zealand companies.
It will take a collaborative approach which we fully embrace as we work with small and large businesses alike on reimagining our resource use, she says.
To learn more visit the Circular Economy Accelerator website.
This Ellen MacArthur Foundation video also does a great job of explaining the circular economy.