In our last post, we talked about how biomanufacturing thrives when circular economy principles are applied to emphasize sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle of bioproducts. This shift in mindset goes beyond adopting new practices—it’s a rethinking of production and consumption.

We’re all well-versed in this concept, whether we recognize it or not. Natural ‘economies’ are nearly always circular in nature – think about the carbon cycle, where carbon is released from dead plants and animals, reabsorbed by the soil and microbes within it, and then reincorporated into new organisms; or the water cycle, where constant cycles of evaporation and precipitation renew the planet’s water resources naturally. In fact, our current economy is the exception to the rule. By creating circular manufacturing processes and eliminating waste, we can restore our environment while maintaining strong economic growth.

Adopting a circular economy mindset in biomanufacturing goes beyond merely adopting new practices. It signifies a profound shift in the way we think about production and consumption. While it can be daring to challenge the status quo, several industries have recognized the importance of a circular economy as the viable path forward. This is made possible through three key values:

1. Collaboration over competition: Industries, manufacturers, and consumers must collaborate throughout the lifecycle. It’s about sharing resources, knowledge, and best practices to create a sustainable ecosystem. The wasteCANcreate upcycling consortium is a great example of this in action!
2. Long-Term Perspective: Prioritizing long-term environmental and social impacts over short-term profits ensures sustainability.
3. Consumer Engagement: Empowering consumers to make informed choices supports businesses committed to circularity and responsible consumption habits.

Real-World Examples

Several companies are already putting these principles into action. Ontario Genomics’ industry partners, including IGPC Ethanol, EcoPoly Solutions, and lululemon athletica, all share these values and are working together to create more impact than any of them could individually.

IGPC Ethanol has transformed distillers’ grains—once considered waste—into a highly nutritious animal feed ingredient and are now looking for even better ways of upcycling these by-products, including in the production of packaging materials. This is just one way the circular economy can create value while reducing waste. As Sheena Alexander, Director of Strategy & Innovation at IGPC, explains:

“At IGPC, we believe that circularization and upcycling are not just buzzwords but critical strategies for a sustainable future. Embracing the circular economy mindset in biomanufacturing isn’t just about changing processes; it’s a shift in perspective that drives innovation and sustainability across the entire product lifecycle“.

EcoPoly Solutions and lululemon athletica, are also collaborating to make an impact by testing materials produced through circular processes. By sharing resources and insights within the consortium, these companies demonstrate that the circular economy is not just a trend but a transformative force reshaping the way we produce and consume.

These companies are an example of what is possible. By adopting circular principles and embracing a sustainable mindset, we can reduce waste, conserve resources, and protect our biosphere for future generations. Our planet’s future depends on it.