What is the circular economy? In its most simple form, the term ‘circular economy’ describes a regenerative economic system. It refers to a system where efficient use of raw materials is maximised, energy is harnessed from renewable sources and the reuse and recycling of materials at the end of their useful life is prioritised. The EU Commission adopted this term to define its ambitious EU directive 2018/852, which outlines a number of targets to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill over the coming years. To achieve these targets, the EU Circular Economy strives to “close the loop” of product lifecycles by encouraging higher levels of recycling and re-use for the benefit of both the environment and the economy. The aim is to extract the maximum value and use from all raw materials, products and waste, thereby generating energy savings and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. How is this relevant to the industrial chemicals market? A high proportion of companies in the worldwide chemical industry, from manufacturers to end users, handle chemicals in single-trip metal or plastic packaging. This packaging not only creates massive amounts of unnecessary waste, but the closures are often inadequate from a health and safety perspective where dangerous liquids are handled. If we continue using raw materials at the current rate, by 2050 the world will be consuming the equivalent of three planet Earths’ worth of natural resources such as biomass, fossil fuels, metals, and minerals. In line with this, the annual waste generation is projected to increase by 70% in the same time period.1 We must embrace the principles of circular economy if we are to ensure our planet’s survival for future generations, and for our sector this means taking a hard look at how we use, invest in and develop packaging. Whilst stainless steel containers are an obvious choice for long-lasting, multi-trip packaging, this material is not suitable for all chemicals. Often, plastic options are the only choice, particularly for acids. The good news is that leading manufacturers of plastic containers have invested heavily over recent years in developing highly effective multi-trip products (see article here), so even chemicals which need to be stored in plastic packaging can be handled with the principles of circular economy very much at the forefront. It is essential to note that it is not only physical waste which is targeted by the principles of the Circular Economy. It also includes the sustainable rebuilding of all types of assets, including financial, human, social and natural. By adopting multi-use packaging made of easily recyclable materials, we can reduce the consumption of natural materials and waste, but how can we ensure we handle our chemicals in such a way to protect our workers and the environment from pollution? According to a 2016 report by the Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) 91,500-150,500 people were newly diagnosed with cancer in 2012, caused by past exposure to carcinogenic substances at work. The cost to the EU economy of work-related cancer, in terms of healthcare and productivity loss, runs in the billions of Euros each year2. In addition to the human cost of the sub-standard handling of dangerous liquids, chemical pollution is one of the key drivers putting the earth at risk, impacting and amplifying planetary crises such as climate change, degradation of ecosystems and loss of biodiversity. We believe that closed-loop transfer systems offer the ideal solution: reducing single-use material waste while simultaneously mitigating the potential risks of chemical pollution. Closed-loop transfer systems seamlessly connect two containers and allow the chemical to be transferred from one to the other in a completely sealed process. Neither liquid nor gas can escape to endanger workforce or environment. Furthermore, when the liquids are being stored or transported, the container closure – a crucial part of the closed-loop transfer system – provides a robust and tight seal. From initial filling through to transportation, storage and transfer, using the closed-loop transfer system in conjunction with multi-trip packaging provides a chemical pack that is second to none in terms of safety. A closed-loop container pack is unsurpassed in its suitability to principles of circular economy by encompassing the need for reduction in use of natural resources, reuse and recycling, worker and environmental safety. How is IPI involved in the circular economy? IPI Global works with industry leaders in the manufacture of containers and closed-loop transfer systems to provide safe, robust, multi-trip and economic packaging for chemicals, the quality of which is second to none. Our systems are used by global brands and have been well-received and widely endorsed, as can be seen in these demonstration videos. By using an IPI closed-loop pack for your chemical handling, you can help ensure your company is adhering to the ethos of the circular economy. Both the closed-loop transfer system and the containers are manufactured from materials which allow multi trip use; the closed-loop nature of the pack ensures the safety of both workers and the environment by eliminating the risks of unsafe handling, spills and escaping gases; and adopting the IPI closed-loop pack has the economic advantage of reducing or eliminating product loss through better handling, plus less packaging costs due to multi trip use. Let’s recap the fundamental principles of the circular economy: reuse and recycle materials wherever possible; protect the environment; rebuild financial, human and social assets. The IPI closed-loop pack can help you achieve each of those circular economy goals by providing safe, robust and cost-effective chemical handling solutions. To find out more contact us at sales@ipi-global.com or visit our website www.ipi-global.com. 1 https://ec.europa.eu/environment/pdf/circular-economy/new_circular_economy_action_plan.pdf 2 https://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/2016-0010.pdf