Sustainability

Nowadays, environmental conservation is at the forefront of global conversations and concerns. That’s why you’ve probably heard the term organic farming. In contrast to conventional agriculture, this farming technique advocates an organic production method to produce top-quality food using natural substances and processes. In this post, we explain in detail what organic farming is, and how it arose.

Organic farming: definition and examples

Also known as organic agriculture or biological agriculture, organic farming is an agricultural system aimed at obtaining products of the highest quality, respecting the environment and conserving the fertility of the land, by an optimal use of natural resources and organic farming methods. Below, we share some examples of this type of agriculture, that has become one of the bases for environment conservation:

• Crop rotation.
• Selection of disease-resistant plant and animal species adapted to local conditions.
• Limited use of synthetic pesticides and fertilisers.
• Prohibition of the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
• Use of organic fertilisers such as manure to contribute to soil fertility and plant health.

In summary, once we know what organic farming is, we understand that it employs methods that promote the efficient management of natural resources, eliminating the use of chemical products and genetically modified organisms in the fight against pests. For this reason, at Kaeltia we have developed a Regulatory Affairs service aimed at researching and developing natural products/organisms that control pests, and fertilisers and biostimulants that are compatible with organic farming, thus contributing to placing increasingly safer and environmentally responsible products on the market, all over the world.

What is agroecology and rural development?

Organic farming was born out of agroecology, a discipline that studies agriculture from an ecological and holistic perspective, implementing strategies and systems that are more respectful of the environment.

The pressure to reduce production costs in the food industry has led to an impoverishment of nature, people and products. In most cases, making food cheaper does not take into account the environmental and health costs, which are ultimately passed on to taxpayers. In this respect, modern or traditional agriculture often depletes natural resources, pollutes water, food and air, and destroys ecosystems.

Therefore, a transition to agroecological practices, such as organic farming, is more productive and resilient to climate change. Such practices co-evolve with nature and keep a harmony with the environment, shaping resources in a way that allows for their continuity. Agroecological farms not only produce food, but are also part of local communities, and also contribute to environment self-regulation and rural development.

Advantages of organic farming

Once it is clear what organic farming is, it is also important to understand its benefits. In this respect, the profitability of organic farming can sometimes raise questions due to its holistic approach that covers several aspects, from the management of natural resources, to the quality of the products and its contribution to sustainability. What is certain is that organic farming is a production system that can become a profitable activity as a whole, as it not only has a positive impact on nature, but also on the workers. Although its main benefit is its commitment to the environment, there are other major advantages of organic farming:

• Seeks to improve the living conditions of farmers.
• Protects the soil against erosion and degradation, thus increasing its fertility.
• Guarantees healthier, tastier and more nutritious food for the present and the future.
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating the effects of climate change and protecting biodiversity.

According to the European Commission (EC), around 8.5 % of the European Union’s (EU) agricultural area is dedicated to organic farming, a figure that could rise to 15-18 % by 2030. To boost it further, the EC has an Action Plan for the development of organic production, with which it hopes to raise this figure to 25%.

Organic farming: certifications and seals

As important as to understand organic farming, is to know everything related to certifications and seals. Organic certification guarantees that products have been grown or processed according to organic farming standards, and that the entire process of growing, processing, packaging and marketing is controlled. To achieve this, all organic operators are inspected at least once a year.

This control covers all stages: from the primary production of an organic product, to its storage, processing, transport, sale and supply to the consumer and – when appropriate – labelling, advertising, import, export and subcontracting activities. It should also be noted that the minimum period for converting a plot of land from conventional to organic farming is two years for annual crops, and three years for perennial crops.

As a distinguishing mark for the consumer, organic products must be marked with the EU logo and the code number of the inspection body to which the operator responsible for the organic product belongs, as well as its own brand name and the specific terms of organic production.

The bridge to organic farming

We have already seen that organic farming is a production alternative that can benefit everyone in the long run. Not only that, but more and more consumers are demanding such products in a critical way, checking and verifying the reliability of the labels when they buy them.

If you are a manufacturer, it is very important that you know what is behind each of these labels, which ones are applicable to your production and your crops, and what demands each country in which you are going to market them. If you need help to find out and obtain these certifications, Kaeltia can help you.

Let’s learn more about organic farming, and explore all it has to offer, both for the consumer and the manufacturer… and, for sure, for the environment.

In a world increasingly aware of the importance of taking care of the environment and preserving our planet, the concept of recycling has become a key element in the fight against pollution and the depletion of our natural resources.

This concern is transferred to the purchasing decisions of consumers who, step by step, are prioritising the purchase of products from companies involved in environment care and who reflect this – among other criteria – in the quality of recycling processes and in the recyclability of packaging.

But, do we really know what is recycling, or what is its real importance for our environment and business? In this post, we will try to go deeper into the concept of recycling, its different types and benefits, as well as explaining its relationship with the philosophy of Kaeltia, a company committed to the circular economy and the reuse of materials.

What is recycling?

In a simple definition, we could say that recycling is a process by which materials that are no longer useful in their original form are collected, processed and transformed into new products or materials. Today, this practice has become an essential process to reduce the accumulation of waste in landfills, and to minimise the environmental impact of production and consumption.

The importance of recycling also lies in its ability to help conserve natural resources, reduce pollution and thus combat climate change. By recycling, it is possible to obtain recycled materials that can be used to make new products, which in turn reduces the demand for raw materials such as wood, minerals, or oil.

There are several types of recycling, depending on the material to be reused, such as paper, glass, plastic and metal recycling, among others: each with its own specific benefits and processes. Recycling not only protects valuable resources, but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and promotes a more circular economy.

However, it should be noted that, despite the importance of recycling, the priority of the measures adopted for environmental care should be aimed at preventing the production of packaging waste, promoting its reuse and, ultimately, its recycling. That is why at Kaeltia we work on eco-design solutions for companies, considering – among other fundamental principles – the use of cleaner production processes, as well as the reduction of natural resources not only in the design of more environmentally friendly packaging, but also prioritising reusable solutions that are fully integrated within circular economy.

In this sense, at Kaeltia we always make clear our firm commitment to sustainability through the reuse of materials. For example, with the transformation of waste – such as that generated by incineration in a funeral parlour – into a source of energy to power a company’s facilities. Another way to contribute to reducing the environmental footprint can also include rescuing textile fibres from used clothing, and giving them a second life by converting them into new garments. It is also possible to promote the reuse of product packaging, giving them an additional purpose once the original product has been consumed. In addition, glass packaging can be reused instead of being sent to the recycling process, boosting resource conservation and waste minimisation.

Why is recycling so important?

As important as to understand what recycling is, it is to know why recycling is so important. Generally speaking, recycling is important because it helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills, and to save natural resources. In addition, it is essential to understand that we should preferably focus on reuse before resorting to recycling. Re-use means giving objects and materials a second life, which avoids the need to produce new resources and further reduces waste generation. From a business point of view, it is essential to bear in mind that waste prevention, waste reduction, reuse and recycling have become the focus of development of multiple regulations, and it also determines the focus of research and innovations in order to achieve a business model based on circular economy.

It’s such its relevance, that the correct management of waste – as well as its recycling, or materials recovery – is one of the integral points of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Developmenthttps://www.mdsocialesa2030.gob.es/en/agenda2030/conoce_la_agenda.htm, an action plan signed by the Government of Spain in favour of people, the planet and prosperity. In line with the Sustainable Development 17 Goals and 169 targets (SDGs), this plan aligns several measures and regulations for their achievement, such as the Royal Decree 1055/2022 on packaging and packaging waste. However, there is a different perspective that goes beyond recycling, and that Kaeltia embraces with enthusiasm: reusing.

The importance of recycling and reusing

Those who know what recycling is, are well aware of how necessary reuse is. This process, in which a second life is given to a product or material without the need to transform it significantly, is the cornerstone of the circular economy. At Kaeltia we support and promote this philosophy. Instead of recycling product packaging, why not reusing it? This would reduce the need to produce new packaging and, therefore, reduce the pollution related to its manufacture and recycling.

Circular economy: beyond recycling

At Kaeltia, we believe that we can help companies to go a step further in the concept of recycling, towards what we know as “circular economy“. Circular economy focuses on the idea that, instead of recycling as the first premise, we should seek to reuse materials in the first place. Why? Because reusing does not involve the transformation of materials, which often has a significant ecological footprint; when we recycle, it often requires an intensive process to turn materials into something new, which can lead to more pollution.

We know what recycling is, and we are in favour of it, but we believe it should be the last option when there are no viable alternatives for reusing. Therefore, at Kaeltia, we are committed to reuse materials in their current state, or with minimal transformation.

Our philosophy is based on the concept of circular economy, where we take advantage of all waste and incorporate it into other processes, either within the same company or in collaboration with others, without excessive transformation. In this way, we reduce pollution to a minimum and contribute to the care of our planet.

In summary, we believe that the integration of eco-design within the usual company management system is the path towards a more environmentally friendly future, where reusing materials is the first option without neglecting the many possibilities of recycling, as well as compliance with its regulations. It is never too late to review your business processes and commit to a greener future. Together, we can make a difference and work towards a cleaner and healthier world.

We often hear about biodegradable products without knowing exactly what they are, what benefits they have, or even what the difference is between a product that is biodegradable, and one that is not. The truth is that, with all the challenges that our environment is facing, many companies are looking to improve their products or services to make them more environmentally friendly: that is why many of them ask us for advice on eco-design at Kaeltia. But, what does biodegradable mean, and why is it so important nowadays for the planet… but also for all sorts of enterprises?

What is a biodegradable product?

Biodegradation is defined as the capacity of certain materials to decompose in nature into the chemical elements that form them, by the action of biological and/or environmental agents, in a relatively short time, thus integrating into the natural cycle without leaving toxic residues or polluting the environment, and even contributing with nutrients to the soil.

In this definition, it is important to talk about timeframes: that is, materials can normally decompose over time by various means, but while some take only weeks and produce a biodegradable (environmentally non-toxic) waste, others take years or even centuries, and in the process release substances that are toxic to the nature.

What is biodegradable plastic, also known as bioplastic?

Among the biodegradable products or materials, one that has been gaining importance in recent years due to its many, many advantages for the environment, is bioplastic: this is a material similar to conventional plastic, but in this case it is composed of polymers of natural origin, which means that it decomposes in a short time in the environment.

The traditional plastic that we usually use, since it is made from petroleum derivatives or other hydrocarbons (fossil fuels), causes a great harm to the environment as it does not decompose in nature by the action of microorganisms, taking centuries or even thousands of years: therefore, these plastics end up accumulating and causing all kinds of problems.

Although – in theory – conventional plastic can be recycled, in practice recycling plastic remains difficult and expensive (more expensive than making new plastic): worldwide, it is estimated that only 9% of plastic is recycled, while more than 50% accumulates in landfills and more than 20% ends up polluting the environment. Incineration of plastic, on the other hand, solves the problem of non-biodegradation… but it is equally expensive, produces various toxins that are hazardous to human health and the environment, and is a waste of resources.

Bioplastics are biodegradable products that have come as a solution to all the problems of conventional plastic; a field in which they are having great success is in rubbish bags and other types of disposable materials, especially in the field of medicine (prostheses, sutures, gloves, etc.). Thus, if these materials end up in a landfill or in nature, since they are biodegradable, they decompose in a matter of months. Bioplastics are also one of the most useful materials when it comes to manufacturing all kinds of biodegradable packaging to wrap products.

Why is it important to use biodegradable materials?

It is not just bioplastic bags: in general, we increasingly find products produced from biodegradable materials in everyday single-use objects; the use of these materials – which can range from soybean oil or corn, to potato starch – is increasing especially to manufacture compostable food packaging: starch plates, cutlery made from seed paste, cups and food wrappings made from recycled sugar cane…

We often are not aware of the impact that some actions that apparently seem simple and harmless, can have on the environment just because of not using biodegradable materials. Let’s take a look at the time it takes to degrade for some of the materials we use or see every day:

• cigarette butts: 2 years
• chewing gum: 5 years
• lighters: up to 100 years
• plastic bags or packages: 150 years
• plastic can rings: 450 years
• plastic bottles: up to 1,000 years
• batteries: 1,000 years (also release highly toxic substances)
• glass bottles: 4,000 years

It’s quite impressive to see these figures, isn’t it? That is why it is so important to use products that are biodegradable, because thus we avoid all the pollution and environmental impact generated by the disposable products we often use. Among all the benefits of biodegradable materials, we can mention the following:

Less impact on the environment:

as they decompose in a short time, they have less impact on the environment and cause fewer problems (e.g. animals trapped by plastics, or choking when swallowed).

Low CO2 emissions:

biodegradable products generate during their production and decomposition less CO2 emissions, the main gas causing climate change.

Nourish the earth:

many of these biodegradable materials are made from completely natural elements, so when they decompose they generate nutrients and fertilise the soil.

No pollution:

since they do not generate toxic waste and decompose rapidly, these materials prevent the pollution of land, rivers and seas.

Prevent landfills saturation:
due to their rapid biodegradation, they do not accumulate for years or centuries, clogging up landfills and forcing to open new ones.

No allergies:

as they are made from natural elements, products with biodegradable materials generate fewer allergies among humans compared to synthetic materials.

Save money:

both their production and cost are cheaper in the long run, thus saving money.

What biodegradable materials can you find in the market or at home?

Actually, it’s not very difficult to easily find such biodegradable materials; although it is only in recent years that many companies have started to use them in their products, examples of biodegradable materials such as branches, dry leaves, wood, wool, paper, cardboard, etc., which decompose easily without leaving toxic residues, can be found in any home.

In addition, it is increasingly common to find people buying biodegradable products, such as some cleaning products and detergents (usually free of phosphates), paints based on natural pigments, sun creams, nappies, coffee capsules, bioplastic or paper bags, packaging made from natural raw materials… So, as you can see, they are more common than you might think before.

As you can see, nowadays companies have more and more alternatives available to them to reduce the negative impact they cause on the environment; now, they can adopt better practices that care for the planet and are more sustainable, thanks to the eco-design of their products and production processes. And this is where Kaeltia Consulting comes in, advising companies to optimise their resources, improve their costs and adopt solutions – such as using biodegradable products – that are more respectful of our environment.

If you are concerned about the environment, you have probably heard about circular economy. It is estimated that each inhabitant of the UK generates around half a tonne of waste per year: this is one of the most significant impacts of the current linear economy model, which we are used to, and which has a high impact on our planet generating high amounts of pollution, and consuming lots of non-renewable resources. But, what is circular economy?

Circular economy introduces a new economic model that is becoming more and more imperative to implement; it’s a more environmentally sustainable model of production and consumption. So, in order to understand the principles of the circular economy, in the following lines we are going to explain how the circular economy works, and why it is so important for our common future.

Definition of circular economy

We can define the circular economy – also called simply as CE – as a new economic model of production and consumption that is committed to sustainable growth, promoting the optimisation of resources and lowering consumption of raw materials, also maximising the use of waste to extend its useful life and provide it with an added value.

Circular economy, therefore, seeks to “imitate” the processes that occur in nature, where everything – absolutely everything – is useful and there is no such thing as “waste”, but rather every single element is reintegrated into the system. In this way, the linear system of the current economic model, which is based on “use and throw away”, is avoided, preventing the generation of waste, reusing as far as possible, and recycling at the end of the product’s useful life, but always as the last step in the whole process.

The 7 R’s of the circular economy

Those who know concepts about circular economy, will surely have heard of the famous 3 Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle). In recent years, these principles have been complemented with new useful concepts: e.g., why not make products more durable from the beginning? Why not repair products, instead of throwing them away? This is precisely what the 7 R’s concept of the circular economy is about:

• Redesign: this is about making products with the environment and sustainability in mind, based on eco-design.
• Reduce: we must seek not only to reduce what we consume, but also the waste we generate, so that we can prevent additional damage to our planet.
• Reuse: we can extend the useful life of products by giving them a new use or, for example, by selling them as second-hand items.
• Repair: when a product breaks down, we quickly think of buying a new one. But, have you ever thought about how this affects our planet?
• Renovate: instead of throwing away an outdated product or object, we can think about updating or renovating it, so that it becomes useful again.
• Recover: we can collect products or materials that have been discarded, and reintroduce them into the production chain.
• Recycle: when it is no longer possible to continue using them, we can collect products and raw materials to generate new ones. But remember, this is the last option!

Differences between linear and circular economy

For those who do not know what the circular economy is and how it differs from the linear economy, we must underline that human economies have until today opted for linear production models, based on the extraction of raw materials, the production of consumer goods, and their final disposal in a landfill. However, with a growing population that consumes more and more, this resource-intensive model has become more unsustainable, endangering all forms of life (including us, humans).

In contrast, circular economy seeks to implement a much more sustainable production model, in which raw materials are not discarded so quickly, thus reducing the rate at which they are extracted, and generating less amounts of waste. Therefore, a fundamental principle of the circular economy is that resources are kept in the production process for as long as possible, and this makes a big difference when we compare it with our current linear model of economy.

Examples of circular economy

OK then, now we know what the circular economy is, what its principles are… But, how can the circular economy be applied? How can companies implement a circular economy? A simple and very effective way to apply the circular economy is to reduce waste generation as much as possible, both during the production process and during a product life: for example, fighting against planned obsolescence, or designing more sustainable products, something that has become possible thanks to Kaeltia’s eco-design.

Other ways in which companies can implement a circular economy or a circular trade, are the following:

• Collecting and recycling materials to produce new products.
• Reusing products, for example, by offering buy-back schemes for used products.
• Giving value to waste, considering it as a resource and not as “rubbish”, and seeking to make the most of it.
• Committing to sharing, as carsharing companies are already doing in many cities, for example.
• Improving product designs to make them more efficient and more sustainable, from their origin, to the end of their useful life.
• Products as a service: that is, offering access to a product, depending on the need, instead of selling it as property. This is what the so-called service economy is about.

What are the benefits of circular economy?

We have already seen all the changes that a green and circular economy can bring to our planet. However, the benefits of the circular economy are not just for the environment, but also for humans, benefiting us in many ways. Let’s take a look at its main advantages:

Protects the environment:

By focusing on reducing the use of raw materials and natural resources, the circular economy reduces the impact of their extraction on the environment, helping to prevent the destruction of ecosystems and the loss of biodiversity.

Reduces the use of resources:

Linear economy requires a high demand of raw materials, which are often scarce, and usually highly dependent on certain countries. Circular economy seeks to break this dependence by reducing the use of resources, reusing them and opting for locally sourced raw materials.

Stimulates employment and innovation:

Focusing on a circular economy implies investment in innovation and new technologies: this means an increase in competitiveness, and fosters the creation of new jobs. It is estimated that the circular economy could generate 700,000 jobs by 2030, just in the EU.

Reduces greenhouse gasses:

Industrial processes account for more than 9% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions. By focusing on extending the life of existing products, we are able to reduce the demand for raw materials and energy required by industry to generate new products, so we can reduce the emissions that trigger climate change.

Supports local economies:

The circular economy stimulates models based on the production and use of local resources, promoting local economy and employment.

In summary: now you know the answer to questions such as “What is circular economy”, as well as all the benefits it brings to us and the environment… So, don’t you think it’s time to start applying it? Help us to save our planet!