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Beyond cost savings, closing loops and increasing the re-use of materials will reduce demand for virgin
materials and thus help to mitigate both demand-driven price volatility on raw material markets (e.g. for
iron ore) and supply risks (World Economic Forum et al., 2014). In addition, more circular business models
were found to be associated with significant (technological and organisational) innovation and
employment potential (for instance in the recycling sector), as well as with reduced liabilities and warranty
costs of firms due to longer-lasting, healthier and more environmentally friendly products
(Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2013).

While the capacities of larger firms facilitate the adoption of and realisation of benefits from circular
business models, also small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly aware of the benefits
of closing loops and improving resource efficiency: saving material costs, creating competitive advantages
and new markets are among the main reasons for European SMEs to take action. From the SMEs surveyed,
more than two-thirds are satisfied with the return on their investments in resource efficiency improve-
ments; more than onethird of the SMEs have experienced reductions in their production costs in the past
two years (European Commission, 2013). 1

4.3 Education and awareness of recycling schemes

Recycling schemes can sometimes succeed with little attention but more often than not, presenters and
trainees have to be helped by being reminded of the importance of recycling. It is also important to ensure
that people are provided with up-to-date information to help them contribute to the various schemes:

• Arrange a programme of events that will help to raise awareness of your recycling schemes. Specifically
this should include an induction for both new and existing trainees and speaker and may tie in to broader
environmental and sustainability issues.

• Use posters and publicise your initiatives in different press as well as over the institution’s intranet.
Posters can be obtained from recyclers such as ALUPRO or down loaded from the web. Additional
information and free publicity material can be obtained from various sources available in the country.

• Develop and publicise a web page with basic useful information on where and how to reuse/recycle.
Good examples are Leeds Metropolitan University and Oxford Brookes University (if in English).

• Develop incentives for the presenters and trainees to participate in recycling and for them to suggest
ways to increase the amount recycled. Prizes, cash or goods, could come from the income generated by
the sale of recycled materials or donated by local companies or suppliers. 2

1 https://www.greengrowthknowledge.org/sites/default/files/downloads/resource/GreenEconet_CEPS_SMEs_Circu-
lar_Economy.pdf
2 https://www.sustainabilityexchange.ac.uk/education_and_awareness_of_recycling_schemes