Decarbonization and Carbon Border Adjustment in the Netherlands are promoting organizations moving toward a sustainable and circular value chain.
On 7 -8 February 2024, the ATIM Academy conducted (SCSC) Supply Chain Sustainability with Circularity Master Class in the Netherlands for the Top Supply Chain Leader in Europe. The session also included Brainstorming on how to help the European Organization comply with ESG, Sustainability Standards, UN Sustainability Goals, CBAM Reporting and the implementation of Supply Chain Sustainability and Circularity.
Stepping Up to the Climate Challenge
The urgency of the climate crisis is undeniable. Recognizing this, the Netherlands has significantly bolstered its climate targets, aligning with the European Union's ambitious "Fit for 55" plan. This plan sets a clear roadmap for a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, with even stricter targets of 70% by 2035 and a staggering 80% by 2040. The ultimate goal? To achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 – a vision that sets a powerful example for the rest of the world.
From Linear to Circular: A Paradigm Shift
But the Netherlands isn't stopping there. It's pioneering a revolutionary concept – the circular economy. Our current economic model, often referred to as "linear", follows a take-make-dispose pattern. Resources are extracted, products are manufactured, used, and then discarded, leading to environmental degradation and resource depletion.
The circular economy proposes a fundamentally different approach. It focuses on keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. This can be achieved through various strategies like:
Design for Longevity and Disassembly: Products are designed to be easily repaired, upgraded, and eventually disassembled and reused. Think modular phones or clothing designed to be easily adapted for different seasons.
Remanufacturing and Reuse: Instead of discarding used products, they are refurbished and given a new lease on life. This extends their lifespan and reduces the need for virgin materials.
Recycling and Composting: When products reach the end of their usable life, their materials are recycled or composted to create new products, minimizing waste going to landfills.
Why Circularity Matters
The benefits of a circular economy are far-reaching. It's not just about environmental sustainability; it's about creating a more resilient and prosperous future for all.
Here are some compelling statistics to emphasize the impact:
A study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation suggests that a circular economy could generate $4.5 trillion of economic growth globally by 2030.
According to the World Bank, the world generates over 2 billion tons of municipal solid waste annually, and this number is expected to rise to 3.4 billion tons by 2050. A circular economy offers a solution to this ever-growing problem.
The Role of Supply Chain Professionals
The transition to a circular economy requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. Supply chain professionals play a critical role in this transformation. Supply chain professionals can integrate circularity principles into their strategies. They can:
Source Sustainable Materials: Prioritize suppliers who use recycled or renewable materials in their products.
Design for Circularity: Collaborate with product designers to ensure products are easy to repair, reuse, and recycle.
Optimize Logistics: Implement efficient transportation and warehousing practices to minimize environmental impact.
Develop Reverse Logistics Systems: Establish systems for collecting used products and materials for remanufacturing or recycling.
The ATIM Academy's Supply Chain Sustainability with Circularity Master Class is a commendable initiative that equips supply chain leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive circularity within their organizations.
A Call to Action: Join the Circular Movement
The Netherlands serves as a powerful inspiration for other nations. Its unwavering commitment to sustainability and its pioneering efforts in the circular economy demonstrate that a more prosperous and sustainable future is achievable.
Let's all be a part of this transformative movement. Let's embrace the circular economy and build a future where resources are valued, waste is minimized, and prosperity is shared by all.
(SCSC) Supply Chain Sustainability with Circularity to Drive Profitability
Circularity is a methodology to reduce risk by eliminating waste and pollution in your supply chain. Circularity is above lean, superefficient supply chains by removing unnecessary inputs to the products and services, thus increasing profits and contributing to a more resilient supply chain. Therefore, it is critical to understand circularity and the work you can do today on your supply chains; it is meant for tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3 suppliers and manufacturers alike.
About the Program Instructor
Denice Staaf is also known as the Supply Chain Diva by the global supply chain and sustainability community. She is based in California, USA, and Mexico City, Mexico. She contributed to the development and progress of corporations such as LaFarge Holcim, CEMEX, Maglin, Boral, Trespa, ElastoChem, Panel Rey, Good for Life, and ArcelorMittal in internationally recognized environmental declarations, carbon footprints, sustainability, circularity, hazard screening, green building materials, and sits on the technical committee for standards setting for sustainable building materials.
She is a passionate sustainable supply chain champion; she believes that sustainability can be used to create a competitive advantage. Denice completed her masters from Harvard University, focused on Environmental Management and Sustainability, where she specialized in sustainable building materials. Her focus was on the life cycle and organizational sustainability. She has a degree in both Interior Design and Humanities from Ursuline College.
She is certified in Healthier Building Materials from Parsons School of Design, is a LEED Accredited Professional and is a WELL Accredited Professional. Denice is actively involved in teaching, research and development, mentoring, and advising global corporations on reducing waste and energy and driving towards their circularity. Her expertise is sought after for teaching organizations how to achieve true sustainability.
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