Biological By-products in the Circular Economy

What is the Circular Economy?

The Circular Economy is a concept of designing systems to minimise waste and maximise the value of resources. It is an economic model that seeks to reduce environmental impacts while creating economic opportunities.

In the context of by-products, rather than treating them as waste they are treated as resources that can be used to create new products or feed into other processes. By implementing circular economy principles, organisations can reduce their environmental impact, create new revenue streams and increase their resilience to supply chain disruptions.

Action is Needed

As the importance of resource management is highlighted on a global level, the volume of discussion about the circular economy has almost tripled over the past five years. Even with this increase in awareness, the share of secondary materials consumed by the global economy has decreased from 9.1% in 2018 to 7.2% in 2023, according to The Circularity Gap Report.

Different parts of the world are taking steps to increase action. As an example, the European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) was introduced by the European Commission in March 2020 with the aim to minimise waste, promote economic growth, improve resource efficiency and create sustainable businesses for the future.

Individuals and companies impact the circular economy. When it comes to by-products, what actions can be taken?

The Circular Economy in Action

This is an example of the circular economy in action in the omega-3 industry.

This visual is showing that by-products from fish meal and fish oil factories can be used as raw materials to enable anaerobic digestion for the production of biogas and the substitution of fish oil in the production of aqua feed for aquaculture.

With a focus on resource optimisation, MBP Solutions is a pioneer in the omega-3 industry. The company has developed several innovative uses of by-products over the years in this industry and continues to innovate across the circular economy in different industries.

How can demographic segments benefit from circular economies?

Using a circular economy plan is beneficial in many different situations.

• Manufacturers benefit from improved utilisation and revenue. For example, a manufacturer can sell or repurpose their by-products instead of simply disposing of them.
• Recipients of by-products benefit from reduced prices. This is due to the fact that the raw materials being purchased are part of a larger production process.
• End customers benefit from an improved supply chain which could include quicker lead times and competitive rates.

How can a circular economy help our environment?

A circular economy is important for the future of our planet. Using best practices for resource optimisation is efficient with practically every raw material having a use. This results in the disposal of less material through harmful processes or relocation to landfill sites.

Are you a manufacturer looking to contribute to the circular economy with your by-products or are you looking at by-products as a raw material in your processes?

How can MBP Solutions help you contribute to the circular economy?

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