Circular economy: Shaping a sustainable tomorrow

In today’s world of limited resources and environmental challenges, the concept of a circular economy becomes a promising solution for a sustainable future. The transition from a linear, "take-make-dispose" economy to a circular one is a fundamental shift that has the potential to transform industries, preserve resources, and protect our planet. Companies play a pivotal role in supporting this transition.

What is circular economy?

The circular economy focuses on minimizing waste and making the best use of resources. It revolves around the idea of keeping products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible and then recycling them at the end of their life cycle. For Utz, switching to a circular economy by closing the material loop is the way to go to contribute effectively to climate protection. Our packaging products are designed for durability and recyclability. They can be used hundreds of times without losing their original specification and after reaching the end of life they can be recycled and turned into new products by us.

Why is it important for the future?

The circular economy addresses the pressing issue of resource depletion. As the global population continues to grow and the demand for finite resources surges, the circular economy offers a path to reduce the strain on our planet. By maximizing the use of existing resources and minimizing waste, we can slow down the depletion of natural resources, which is essential for future generations. At Utz, we offer our clients products made of UIC® (Utz Industrial Compound), which contains secondary raw material grades from known and qualified sources.

How businesses support the circular economy

Businesses are well-positioned to be champions of the circular economy. They can support this transition in several ways:

1. Eco-friendly product design: companies can design and manufacture products that are durable, repairable, and recyclable. By making products with a longer lifespan, they reduce the need for frequent replacements.
2. Resource optimization: businesses can implement efficient resource management practices, including the use of renewable energy, to reduce their environmental footprint.
3. Closed-loop systems: companies can establish closed-loop systems where products are returned, refurbished, and resold. This approach not only extends the life of products but also reduces waste and supports the circular economy.
4. Recycling initiatives: businesses can invest in recycling programs and promote the use of recycled materials in their production and logistics processes, reducing the demand for virgin resources.

How Utz complies with circular economy principles

Sustainable by conviction

Our most important principle is the careful use of natural resources. Modern plastics technology enables creative and sustainable solutions. Our products are designed with a circular economy in mind. They are durable, reusable and the plastics we utilize are 100 percent recyclable.

Utz climate strategy

The Utz Group has a clear climate strategy. By 2030, we will produce exclusively with electricity from renewable energies, and by 2035, we will be using mostly recycled and low-CO2e plastic. We want to be measured against these standards and will disclose our progress within the annual sustainability report.

Our sustainable vision

Our vision is a future with only sustainably produced reusable and recyclable returnable containers. Doing our job properly means our carbon footprint will be reduced to zero – "Zero Carbon" – and there will be no more waste – "Zero Waste".

Our partnerships

Together with our partners and their expertise, we achieve our ambitious climate goals.

• myclimate
• Polyvia
• Initiative Mehrweg
• Reusable Packaging Association
• Roundtable for Reusabe Containersm Trays and Pallets
• Swiss Cleantech
• United Nations Global Compact

Conclusion

The circular economy is not just a passing trend but a necessity for a sustainable future. We believe that companies like Utz and our clients have a pivotal role to play in this transition by adopting circular business models, eco-friendly practices, and collaborating with sustainability organizations. By embracing the circular economy and supporting sustainability initiatives, businesses can help build a more resilient and environmentally conscious world for generations to come.