In this episode of Decoding Innovation, Keiran Smith, CEO and co-founder of Mr. Green Africa, discusses circular economy and how technology is changing the way plastic is recycled worldwide.
Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.
Sustainability has been of key focus in modern day living. Circular economy plays a key role in achieving sustainability by reaching maximum input efficiency using minimal resources, as well as reducing waste production. The regenerative economic system aims to achieve sustainability without diminishing existing products but to churn the “waste” into something useful via systematic shifts.
By extending the life of products, especially plastic, the natural capital that goes into recycling can be reduced. The life of plastic products can be extended by bringing in a loop of reuse, repair and remanufacturing products. Circular economy involves a clear distinction between technological and biological cycles that aims to rebuild all types of capital.
Keiran Smith is a disruptive innovator in the recycling space. The CEO and co-founder of Mr. Green Africa shares his insight on the right combinations and necessary understanding needed to implement circular economy for plastic recycling, and how
Key takeaways:
- Circular economy holds a key role in building sustainable societies and can lead to increased efficiencies using minimal input resources and a connected ecosystem of capital.
- Awareness and technology are the biggest hurdles faced in plastic recycling that need immediate addressing.
- Connecting a commercial model with a sustainable, social-friendly model is the way to go for recycling plastic worldwide.
- Partnership element plays a key role in successful implementations of plastic recycling based on the circular economy approach.
For your convenience, full text transcript of this podcast is also available. Read the transcript.
Presenters
Keiran Smith
CEO and Co-Founder, Mr. Green AfricaPodcast
Episode 18
Duration 39m 00s
Direct to your inbox
Stay up to date with the latest Decoding Innovation podcast episodes and news from the EY-Nottingham Spirk Innovation Hub.
In this series
Series overviewHow circular economy acts as an enabler to build sustainable societies
Episode 18
Presenters
CEO and Co-Founder, Mr. Green Africa
Why a mindset shift matters for implementing circular economy
Episode 17
Presenters
Head, Technology Strategy, World Economic Forum
How one startup is progressing toward commercialized nuclear fusion
Episode 16
Presenters
How high-pressure water stored underground may reshape energy storage
Episode 15
Presenters
How the metaverse is planning to augment reality — not replace it
Episode 14
Presenters
What Industry 4.0 is all about: the progression from 1.0 to 4.0
Episode 13
Presenters
How Z-pinch could be the way ahead for fusion and clean energy
Episode 12
Presenters
Why advanced nuclear energy should be part of the climate solution
Episode 8
Presenters
Executive Director, Nuclear Innovation Alliance