Using Nature as a Compass for Rethinking the Circular Economy

The circular economy in packaging is a concept that many people are familiar with, often recognized by the running arrows that symbolize it. However, what if there was a different approach to recycling that was inspired by the cycles seen in nature? Dr. Dayna Baumeister, co-founder of Biomimicry 3.8, a consultancy that helps companies innovate packaging and products using nature as a guide, believes in shifting the focus from closed-loop recycling to a connected flow of materials.

Nature does not simply turn one object back into the same object, like a glass bottle into a glass bottle. Instead, it operates on a system of flows where materials have value within a larger ecosystem. Just as natural systems rely on interconnected elements like carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen, products and packaging should also be part of a collective flow. Baumeister emphasizes that the concept of flow is both a noun and a verb, highlighting the importance of keeping materials in movement to maximize their value to the system.

In contrast, waste disposal methods such as landfills are seen as counterproductive to this mindset, essentially trapping valuable materials in a stagnant environment. Baumeister points out the irony of burying sophisticated and valuable materials in the ground, limiting their potential for reuse. Biomimicry 3.8 is dedicated to promoting packaging innovation that respects the interconnected flow of materials found in nature, offering a more sustainable and efficient approach to recycling.