CIRCULAR ECONOMYA circular economy is a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear economy (produce, use, dispose) and aims to minimise waste and resource use, keep resources in use for as long as possible and extract the maximum value from them whilst in use. When a product reaches the end of its life, it should be reused to create further value.
When it comes to improving waste management, the Waste Framework Directive of the European Union (2008) provides a simple figure that explains what should be the priority of actions: the Waste Pyramid. The first step is simply avoiding waste or, in other words, preventing materials from becoming waste. The waste that we do not generate does not need to be managed, does not need recycling or recovery and will not end up incinerated or landfilled. This also means: keeping products in use for as long as possible.
The second step is about finding ways to reuse products and materials, the third about recycling waste materials into new products or materials, followed by energy recovery and finally disposal. The Trespa Second Life programme focuses on the second step, reuse of panels that otherwise would be discarded. It is important to know that reuse is preferred over recycling,
It is important to
know that reuse
is preferred over
recycling.
because normally the recycling process is more energy-intensive and polluting. If Second Life panels can be used just as they are, and they only need to be cut and cleaned, their product life can be significantly extended while minimizing energy consumption and CO2 generation. As one of the objectives of the circular economy is to maintain the value of
products for as long as possible, Trespa Second Life will prioritise applications in which the product is reused at its full potential. Hence, applications where the quality of the material and its exceptional properties -durability, colour stability and mechanical resistance- is appreciated and where the product can be used in its natural form. Applications where the material is overqualified are less preferred as we believe it is important to avoid loss of product value and downcycling.
At the moment Trespa is working together with designers, customers and partners to roll out the programme and evaluate reuse possibilities. We will make sure to promote the use of our Trespa Second Life panels only for applications in compliance with all the regulations in place. The programme will be managed locally. Ideally, the Second Life panels should be used within the same country as the original project to avoid emissions related to transportation.
