To be Circular, You Must Think Outside the Box: iSustain’s Approach to Recycling

In order to be Circular, you have to Think Outside the Box: iSustain’s Approach to Recycling

Historically, the landscape of recycling has been extremely linear, with companies collecting recyclables and selling them to the highest bidder. This approach fails to encompass the larger goal of being sustainable and circular with their programs because it’s a short-term, profit-oriented methodology where materials frequently find their way back into single-use or nonrecyclable end products. These cracks in the traditional linear recycling model inadvertently sidestep the original purpose for recycling altogether… “to preserve virgin resources by recycling materials over and over again.” With over 100 years and billions of pounds of combined industry experience, iSustain understands that a linear approach to recycling is not only flawed but is not sustainable. We have been working to help our customers break away from the linear recycling model since our inception. iSustain is always learning and staying informed in order to provide new solutions to reduce waste going to landfills, like finding new recycling technologies and helping to develop others all to make the overall processes more circular. By adopting new recycling technologies, fostering transparency with clients, focusing on sustainable waste management and collaborating with clients and recycling partners, iSustain is reshaping the recycling landscape into one that advances circularity. Our goal is to be more than a recycling company; we aim to be a partner and a solution provider, ushering in a future where recycling is not just a step above landfilling but a full-circle, sustainable solution.

Our Approach is Circular

With the linear method of recycling, materials were merely hauled away often to be transformed into low-end products or shipped overseas without regard for a closed-loop system. In response, iSustain champions a circular approach by strategically integrating materials back into the supply chain. We are committed to returning waste and used materials back into the production cycle through mechanical, chemical/advanced and emerging recycling methods.

Our Approach is Transparent

Transparency is more than a principle; it's the cornerstone of our commitment to revolutionizing recycling. From the moment we collect recyclables from our customers to the reintroduction of them into the supply chain, we prioritize openness at every step. Our methods and processes are designed to be clear and accessible, ensuring that our clients understand exactly how their materials are being handled throughout the entire journey through regular communication and dedicated portals to our software. This dedication to transparency not only builds trust but also forms a genuine partnership where our clients are integral to the recycling journey. At iSustain, transparency is not just a value; it's a practice that empowers our clients to navigate recycling laws, reduce waste expenses, and actively contribute to sustainability initiatives with confidence in our authentic and open approach.

Our Approach is Sustainable

Sustainability is woven into the fabric of iSustain’s approach, defining every action we take in the realm of recycling. We steer our efforts toward creating enduring, long-term solutions that make a positive impact on the environment. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our determination to return waste and used materials to the supply chain, effectively closing the loop in the product life cycle and transforming them into valuable resources.

Our Approach is Collaborative

Collaboration is at the heart of iSustain's ethos and it extends far beyond the typical boundaries of recycling. We recognize that true progress requires a collective effort, which is why we actively foster partnerships at every level of our operation. Internally, we collaborate with mechanical, chemical/advanced and emerging recycling partners, leveraging a diverse range of expertise to cover all facets of the recycling process. Externally, our collaboration extends to our clients, forming authentic partnerships where we work together to improve recycling practices and implement innovative strategies. Beyond business partnerships, we proudly collaborate with nonprofits like Keep the TN River Beautiful and The Tennessee Aquarium aiming to contribute positively to our communities and the environment. This collaborative spirit is not just about meeting immediate needs, it's a fundamental principle that shapes our approach to recycling and our commitment to making a meaningful impact on both local and global scales.

Conclusion

Because of our commitment to the environment and increasing recycling rates, we've become more than just a recycling company to our customers. We are partners, solution providers and advocates for positive change. We champion sustainability through mechanical, chemical/advanced and emerging recycling methods because we understand that in order to be Circular, you have to Think Outside the Box. Please reach out for more information on how we can work together.