Szanse i bariery polskiego recyklingu: jak gospodarka obiegu zamkniętego zmienia firmy

Waste generation is an integral part of business operations. Modern businesses are increasingly striving to manage these resources responsibly. Industry analyses show that Polish companies are demonstrating a growing awareness of waste segregation, and recovery rates for raw materials such as scrap and non-ferrous metals are high. These raw materials can be recycled almost infinitely, generating real profits for companies and positively impacting their financial performance. Waste paper, whose cellulose fibers shorten with each process, and plastics remain a challenge. While homogeneous plastic waste from production is easy to recycle, logistics and the low profitability of transporting dispersed, small batches of specific materials become problematic. We spoke with Piotr Bruździak, Sales and Operations Director at Stena Recycling, and Marcin Jakubiak, Category Manager at Decathlon, for details in the latest episode of the "Expert Zone" podcast. The key to closing the loop is the so-called "waste paper." Ecodesign, or designing products with disassembly and recovery in mind, as well as the reuse of raw materials, such as processing PET bottles into clothing. At the same time, circular services are developing on the market, such as short-term rentals, subscriptions (e.g., in the children's industry), and buy-back programs for used equipment. Although consumers are still primarily guided by their own comfort and financial benefits, the growing popularity of second-life platforms demonstrates that ecology and economics can go hand in hand. Experts emphasize that the development of a circular economy in Poland is hindered not only by technological barriers but also by organizations' resistance to changing procedures and logistical challenges. The podcast is partnered with Stena Recycling.