On February 7, 2024, Westwood Sourcing attended the Circular Economy Night 2024 in Breda. This event, organized by Breda Circulair in collaboration with the Municipality of Breda, Rabobank Breda and REWIN, attracted a lot of attention because of its important theme: circular cooperation. The presence was diverse; from small and large companies to students and governments. This event was ideal for anyone interested in the circular economy, whether you are a circular leader or want to take your first steps.
Inspiring speakers: from Sander Schimmelpenninck to Klaske Kruk
Sander Schimmelpenninck, known as a former Quote editor-in-chief, acted as keynote speaker and panel leader. Klaske Kruk, founder of Circularities and known from BNR, shared her expertise on how to put the circular economy into practice.
Local examples of circular collaboration
A highlight of the evening was REWIN's presentation of regional examples of circular collaboration in West Brabant. Important speakers from business, education and government, such as Simone Thur of Bostik Benelux and Dirk Duis of ETAP Lighting, shared their experiences.
Read more:
Recycling, upcycling and downcycling: The three pillars of sustainable waste management
In this blog, we'll take a closer look at what these terms mean, how they differ from each other, and the importance of each in the pursuit of a more sustainable world.
The effects of microplastics from clothing
The section on microplastics in textiles was particularly interesting for Westwood Sourcing customers.
Microplastics from clothing are a growing environmental problem that is often overlooked. When we wash synthetic clothing, such as those made from polyester or nylon, it releases tiny plastic particles that end up in our water. These microplastics are so small that they easily slip through water treatment plants and eventually end up in rivers, lakes and oceans. Once in the aquatic environment, these microplastics are ingested by marine life, posing a direct threat not only to the health of aquatic animals, but also to the larger food chain, including humans, as these particles accumulate throughout the food chain.
In addition, these microplastics can absorb toxic substances, making them even more harmful to the environment and health. The problem with microplastics is that they are almost impossible to completely remove due to their size and prevalence. This raises questions about sustainability and environmental protection in the fashion industry and highlights the need for innovation in both clothing design and waste management. There is a growing demand for clothing that is more sustainable and less dependent on synthetic materials, presenting an opportunity for companies to innovate in eco-friendly clothing options.
What is needed for further circular transition?
A key question of the evening was what different parties need from each other to take the next step in their circular transition. This prompted fascinating discussions and insights about collaboration in the circular economy.
Conclusion
As a company committed to sustainability, it was an honor for Westwood Sourcing to participate in the Circular Economy Night 2024. We look forward to future events and to continuing to share our experiences and insights in the field of circular economy.
Do you need help with importing from India?
Westwood Sourcing provides specialist support and expertise to make importing from India successful and efficient. Contact us today for more information!
