Industrial waste does not need to be written off and sent to landfill or incinerated - new technologies are emerging that can turn byproducts into usable and commercially viable items. With investments in this marketplace increasing, now is a great time to get on board.
An invaluable commodity
Recycled materials are now regarded as invaluable commodities in global industry. With the ability to reprocess millions of tonnes of recyclable material into desirable goods, waste management has not only become an important sustainable activity, it is now very profitable for businesses around the world.
The waste management industry is predicted to grow significantly in the coming months, with an expected increase in commercial recycling and recovery rates. In everyday life recycled material in the UK is used on a regular basis, with newsprint manufactured using 100 per cent recycled paper and many new glass bottles and jars made from glass collected for recycling.
No longer a ‘dirty’ industry
An increasing amount of industrial waste is now being reprocessed to produce high quality, must-have goods on the market. The International Aluminium Institute (IAI) indicates 9.5 million tonnes of recovered aluminium scrap was processed last year and the perception of industrial waste recycling as a ‘dirty’ industry has certainly been shed.
In countries across Europe and China, industrial waste is strongly viewed as a strategic raw material and an investment. Back in the UK there are many organisations that now not only collect industrial waste but reprocess pre-consumed scrap into meaningful items for purchase, minimising the need to use virgin, raw materials.
Waste recycling market enjoying growth
Recycling is a rare slice of the economy that is enjoying significant growth. An increasing number of businesses are putting faith in the UK organics industry as Government policy continues to assist in driving the volume of recycled industrial waste upwards and diverting valuable resources away from landfill sites.
Businesses that can manage and recycle the industrial waste of other businesses are now extremely valuable. However there must be a business strategy in place to manage the various operational issues of controlling industrial waste.
It is important to consider the machinery and vehicles that will be used for collecting, sorting and processing industrial waste. Businesses should also consider the health and safety measures for employees working closely with industrial waste and recycling equipment.
High street must-have recycled goods
So what kind of items can you expect to find on your high street shelves reproduced from industrial waste?
You would be surprised at the number of products made from recycled industrial waste. Many of our supermarkets and high street brands stock everyday household products such as bin liners and toilet roll, produced as a result of businesses managing the process of recycling hazardous industrial waste.
But many manufacturers have taken it to the next level with a plethora of must-have contemporary goods produced for purchase. Eco-shops now sell items such as gifts, jewellery, handbags and other fashion accessories, all made from recycled industrial waste, without compromising on style. These cult products are not only in-demand, they are extremely profitable thanks to reduced production overheads.
The recycled and sustainable products market is an exciting new sector for business and the combination of design-conscious items that are environmentally friendly and ecologically sustainable is a concept that is sure to grow.
