Open Loop Recycling
In a Circular Economy, the value of products and materials is maintained for as long as possible. Within the circularity discussions both 'Closed' and 'Open' loops are referred to:
- Closed Loop Recycling (where the recycled material is used to make another product in the same category i.e. plastic water bottles being used to make new plastic bottles)
- Open Loop Recycling (where recycled material is used in a different application in a different product i.e. plastic water bottles being used to make fleeces and sleeping bags)
When considering the carbon emissions equivalent of Closed Loop Recycling, Carbon WARM[1] assumes that emissions are offset against the purchase of the same material (the closed loop material being product to product) whereas with Open Loop emissions are offset against another material (i.e the material it replaces).