Closed Loop Recycling: What It Is And Why You Need It

For businesses across the UK, priorities are changing - fast. The term ‘sustainability’ has gone far beyond being a mere buzzword, and is now seen as a business imperative that drives today’s standards and business practices. At Bryson, we’ve integrated this philosophy throughout everything we do, especially through our Sustainable Site Setup Service and our Closed Loop Recycling Service. In our latest learning resource, we explore the concept of closed loop recycling and what it can mean for your business.

Closed Loop Recycling: A Beginner’s Guide

Many businesses aren’t familiar with the concept of closed loop recycling, so let’s get into the details of what this phrase actually means. Closed loop recycling is at the heart of today’s circular economy, and refers to a production process where business waste is collected, recycled and reused to make brand new products. It cuts the requirement for raw materials; as well as reducing waste, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

So - where does the ‘loop’ element come into it? It’s simple. Unlike traditional recycling, a closed loop system keeps materials within a continuous cycle, preventing them from ending up in landfill. Another difference with traditional recycling - which often ‘downcycles’ materials into lower-quality products - closed loop recycling maintains the material’s integrity and usability.

How Does Closed Loop Recycling Work?

The extensive use of plastics and other non-biodegradable materials continues to impact on environmental degradation. Bryson’s Closed Loop Recycling Service tackles this head on by providing a sustainable journey for such materials. Here’s how it works:

• Collection: The Bryson team kicks the process off by collecting your used Protection Board and BryBoard Signage from your construction sites, ensuring they’re free from contaminants that could hinder the process.
• Processing: We then transport your materials to our recycling facilities, where they’re cleaned and processed into pellets.
• Manufacturing: The pellets are used to manufacture new products. For example, polypropylene sheets are recycled into fresh sheets for reuse in construction projects.

The Benefits of Closed Loop Recycling

When it comes to closed loop recycling, there are several benefits that impact both your business and the natural world. Let’s take a look at just some of the reasons why you should get involved…

Reduced Environmental Impact

• Cut down on landfill: By recycling materials back into similar products, closed loop recycling significantly reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. This conserves space and minimises pollution.
• Protect natural resources: By reusing materials, your company can reduce how much it relies on virgin raw materials, conserving resources and reducing overall environmental impacts.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Manufacturing using recycled materials consumes less energy, translating to lower carbon emissions.

Financial Benefits

• Reduced costs: Reducing waste disposal costs and minimising the need for raw materials can lead to significant cost savings.
• Increased efficiency: A streamlined recycling process can improve the efficiency of the supply chain, reducing the time and resources needed for material procurement and waste management.

Brand Reputation and Legal Compliance

• Brand reputation: Companies that adopt closed loop recycling demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability, which can enhance their brand image and appeal to eco-conscious consumers and partners.
• Environmental compliance: Adhering to environmental regulations is crucial for avoiding fines and legal issues. Closed loop recycling helps companies stay compliant with waste management and sustainability regulations.