LOGISTICS, TECH, & SUSTAINABILITY
collide this week to enlighten us with insights on the 2021 circular economy, borrowed packaging and how world events affect supply chains. Below are a few highlights to keep your week flowing:
SUSTAINABILITY
Circular economy infrastructure will build value for all Americans
The circular economy is becoming big business in America. For example, just one piece of the circular economy, the recycling industry, generates over $100 billion in economic activity, nearly $13 billion in federal, state and local tax revenue and supports over 500,000 jobs annually.
On a more personal level, as global supply chains began to crack during the COVID-19 pandemic, our domestic recycling infrastructure saved us from major shortages of critical consumer products — like toilet paper. But that is only a fraction of the value the circular economy can provide on both a local and national level.
A policy known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), now being introduced at the state and federal level, would create a…
LOGISTICS
Buy the product, borrow the packaging
We have been renting cars and borrowing books and clothing but why don’t we borrow packaging? Our world and our thinking have shifted, with the result that our shopping behavior changed as well. Brands need to rethink their strategies and adapt to stay relevant.
Ace of Air is a direct-to-consumer brand that focuses on an eco-ethical business model for positive change. They specialize in gender-neutral skincare products. Through their circular packaging concept, they are pushing for progress in sustainable consumption. Reducing plastic is clearly good for the environment. Plastic is not fantastic and the urgency to act on reducing plastic is widely understood.
“Ace of Air elevates every standard for beauty and wellness with products that put people and planet above all.” – Ace of Air
With Ace of Air you can purchase the product and borrow . . .
TECHNOLOGY
Supply chains are on the cusp of a data-fed revolution.
Images of the Ever Given containership blocking the Suez canal caused another bout of global hand wringing over supply chain risks in March this year. It’s been a frequent occupation during COVID, in fact, and yet most people only have a vague notion of how supply chains operate.
Often the impression is that significant technology lies behind supply chain provision. However, if one looks behind the curtain at transportation providers, there really isn’t as much there as you think (somewhat like the Wizard of Oz!).
Most of the activity that occurs behind the scenes at all stages of the supply chain involves human activity, processing transactions on screens and Excel sheets. Today, there are few . . .