� LEGO LEGO expands its sustainable manufacturing practices , producing bricks from PET plastics from discarded bottles . LEGO has revealed its first prototype that also meets its strict quality and safety requirements .

When manufacturing a greener future , there are a number of ways manufacturers can be more sustainable ; one , in particular , is adopting a circular economy approach to waste management .

So What is a Circular Economy ? Set to redefine the current linear model of production and consumption , a circular economy focuses on sharing , reusing , repairing , remanufacturing , and recycling products and materials . The overall goal is to extend the lifecycle of products and materials and reduce waste .

But Why is Waste a Problem ? Often waste is not accounted for and is therefore frequently overproduced .

This waste creates environmental problems such as greenhouse gas emissions and damaged ecosystems . Waste can also be costly for manufacturers during generation and disposal , as well as contributing to the rapid depletion of finite resources .

How Can Manufacturers Transition to a Circular Economy ? Make UK states that manufacturers should look to understand flexible remanufacturing , as well as how reverse logistics can be harnessed to increase productivity .

Ultimately investing in a circular economy requires prioritising long-term goals , as well as overcoming knowledge and cost barriers .

� NORTHVOLT Northvolt raises US $ 2.75bn in equity to expand its cell capacity at its Swedish gigafactory to 60 GWh . To date , the company has secured over US $ 27bn in contracts from the likes of BMW , Fluence , Scania and Volkswagen .

ROCKWELL AUTOMATION Rockwell Automation acquires Plex Systems for US $ 2.22bn , widening its capabilities to help manufacturers to connect , automate , track , and analyse their operations and connected supply chains .

� SMMT SMMT reports that up to 90,000 jobs could be lost in the UK car manufacturing industry if the government doesn ’ t increase its support for electric car production to the levels of Germany and the US .

� AMAZON Undercover footage from ITV revealed Amazon ’ s ‘ destruction zone ’ at the Dunfermline warehouse . The footage showed millions of unsold and / or returned items being destroyed each year .

manufacturingglobal . com . 13 4