The current economic system is based on a linear economic model of production and provision of goods and services, implying an intensive use of natural resources and a very significant impact on the environment due to the waste and greenhouse gases that it generates. directly affecting climate change and biodiversity. In Europe, more than 2.5 million tons of waste is generated per year. In Spain, each citizen generates an average of 460 kgs. of urban waste
In addition to the environmental impact, the data show that this model is inefficient and exacerbates Spain’s dependence on other countries, making our economy more vulnerable and less competitive.
To face this situation, Spain establishes a Strategy for the Circular Economy, called “Circular Spain 2030”, which consists of promoting a new production and consumption model in which the value of products, materials and sources are kept within the economy for as long as possible its reuse with minimal expense and energy efficiency. They should include eco-design criteria, restrict the use of harmful substances in manufacturing, promoting the production of equipment that can be reused, extending the useful life. Promote innovative models for concise and sustainable consumption.
Communication and awareness of the importance of the meaning of the “Circular Economy” among public entities, social agents and the technological and scientific communities, so that this transition can flow.
Design employment policies that favor an adequate transition to the new economic model. It is important to launch a digital transformation process in order to meet the technological demand of an increasingly demanding society and a key and increasingly globalized industrial sector, which requires continuous improvements in competitiveness. New business models based on technology open up many possibilities to improve the efficiency in the use of remanufactured materials by lengthening their useful life, as well as reducing waste generation.
This Strategy establishes a series of quantifiable objectives for the year 2030: Reduce the consumption of non-reusable equipment and components by 30%. Reduce waste by 15%. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This challenge for the transformation towards the Circular Economy will only be possible with the help, participation and involvement of the whole society, not only governments but also all economic sectors (manufacturing, production, distribution and waste management) who will have to incorporate research and innovation as key elements to achieve the established objectives. In addition, social agents and end consumers will also play a decisive role by raising awareness and modifying both their buying habits and improving recycling practice for the separation of waste.
Regarding the lines of action that will be carried out in the Circular Economy Strategy, they will affect the following concepts: Production of equipment and components free of harmful substances, reusable and that generate little waste. More balanced consumption and promote recycling. Management of waste destined to reconvert and recycle them. The use of secondary raw materials allows a more sustainable use of natural resources.
A Commission represented by some Ministries whose policies have a direct impact on the transition, will be the one that coordinates the agenda, ensures the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the activities established in the Strategies of the different Administrations. It will aim to promote collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as accelerate the transition towards the Circular Economy.
GM TECHNOLOGY six years ago was a pioneer in its sector by betting on the “Circular Economy”. The application of this policy promotes economic savings (as has been demonstrated in the average savings of 40% of spending in public administrations, for example), sustainability, protection of the environment and the generation of employment.
GM TECHNOLOGY attaches great importance to sustainability and caring for the environment. To implement this economic model, it allocates all its resources to offer remanufactured equipment and consumables, as well as to provide a global printing service solution or “Eco Print Solutions” (EPS).
The first step towards the philosophy of “Savings”, be it energy, economic, paper, raw materials and waste generation, begins with the reuse of equipment, continuing with ecological packaging or “eco-packaging” solutions, using adapted cardboard packaging to the machines or replace the plastics with air bags so that they are sufficiently protected.
GM TECHNOLOGY to minimize the carbon footprint, has its own logistics. Its own delivery vehicles, carried by qualified personnel, ensure that the delivery is daily, optimizing routes by taking the vehicles complete with equipment and material.
For GM TECHNOLOGY, in the words of its Quality and Environment Manager, Ms. Lucia Carballo who clearly summarizes and defines the meaning of the Circular Economy, “it is necessary to apply the concept of the 7Rs (Recycle, redesign, reduce, reuse, repair, renew and recover). “ It manages to recycle more than 45,000 printing equipment a year avoiding the emission of tons of CO2.
The application of all these principles and the commitment to the environment, consolidate GM TECHNOLOGY as a national leader in Circular Economy and one of the largest companies in Europe in the printing and sale of reprography equipment.
