Green initiatives like recycling and minimising waste are valuable; however, the evaluation of the value and lifetime of a product is often overlooked. Questioning these ideas can determine whether a product should be produced at all, the materials required, and where it will be in 50 years’ time.
Circularity presents an alternative to the typical linear ‘take-make-dispose’ model by focusing on reusing, repairing, and recycling to maximise a product’s life cycle. Fundamentally, circularity recognises that resources should be used wisely to maintain value across its entire lifetime.
Reducing dependence on virgin raw materials is also a key aspect of circularity. Composites manufacturing is steadily making progress towards embedding sustainability across production, with more developments expected over the coming years.
Awareness of circularity is growing through strong leadership. Over 80 per cent of composite manufacturers are developing a sustainability strategy.
Embedding this culture across organisations ensures circularity becomes second nature. This shared responsibility becomes crucial at the design stage, where many influential decisions are made.
Read the full article in DPA's March 2026 issue
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