On Earth Day 2024, tune in to a special episode of Sustainability In Your Ear, where host Mitch Ratcliffe shares his insights from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s circular economy-focused REMADE conference. The event, which took place at the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in Washington DC earlier this month, brought together scientists and business leaders to discuss and share research on enabling a circular economy.

The conference had a distinct tilt towards recycling, specifically industrializing it at a massive scale so that consumers no longer need to sort materials at home for better recycling. While many of the scientific presentations explored advanced recycling technologies for plastics, textiles, and metals, as well as industrial decarbonization techniques and product design for easier recyclability, the conference also required an enormous investment.

However, the potential benefits of a circular economy are significant. By investing in advanced recycling technologies and pushing for easier recyclability in product design, we can move closer to achieving a truly circular economy that reduces waste and CO2 emissions. It’s important to stay informed and engaged in these discussions to contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet.