Above : A photo of Retuna
In Belgium , regional local authority settings for the re-use sector drive innovation and change . Re-use operators and retailers are paid for every kilo of material they recover and on sell back into to the market , government invests in the supportive infrastructure and disposal is penalised .
In Europe , the re-use sector is recognised as a service provider and a wealth generator , with a key role to play in the circular economy . In the Flanders region ( one of three Belgium regions ) € 45,000,000 was generated in 2018 from 150 re-uses shops , with a base population of 5 million , employing 5,000 people . The current target is for 7 kg , per household of reusables to go to Circular Economic Shops by 2022 .
. In the Flanders region ( one of three Belgium regions ) € 45,000,000 was generated in 2018 from 150 re-uses shops , with a base population of 5 million , employing 5,000 people . The current target is for 7 kg , per household of reusables to go to Circular Economic Shops by 2022 .
Tellingly , the most recent revision of EU circular economic packages released in March 2020 , direct all activities including product design towards designing and marketing for longevity , repair , refurbishment , and subsequent reuse with low cost parts library ’ s available for products . The EU policy directives , investment and business and society response has ensured the second hand first movement continues to grow and transform rapidly in Europe .
The photo above features Cyclup Eco-design product labelling .
Brand Belgium well understands the creative potential of the circular economy to present a heart-felt modern consumer story promoting sustainable values , as well as practically transforming discarded items into highly desirable ones , generating new wealth and new employment opportunities .
The famous Swedish re-use shopping mall Retuna , located in Eskiltuna was established by the local government investing 5 million kronor into planning and retail infrastructure , including co location of waste management infrastructure to ensure a high level of product and material interception from the waste stream . Subsequently waste diversion has significantly increased stimulating new business ventures .
Retuna has boosted tourism by attracting an additional 6000 visitors per year .
Above : Eskilstuna Tourism Brochure
The Retuna model is primarily based on private small to medium enterprises and is now firmly placed as a jewel in Brand Sweden ’ s circular economic crown .
All re-use models including in Tasmania , Belgium , and Sweden , demonstrate that re-use represents higher economic value in the waste hierarchy , and is significantly less affected by national and international market fluctuations .
Current Australian waste management practice remains focussed on lower order activities such as recycling , land fill and emerging calls for incineration which indicates linear thinking !
WASTE LINKED TO PROSPERITY Australia missed this opportunity in the mid 1990 ’ s . Our enhanced Tip Shop
VOL 13 NO 2 2020 14 www . edaustralia . com . au