Michigan businesses should embrace emerging circular economy

In Michigan and other states across the country, Americans are rightly calling for an end to waste. Yet, they understand this objective must be achieved in a way that won’t negatively affect businesses and their dayto- day lives as consumers.

One way of achieving the ideal balance between reducing waste without impacting consumers and businesses is through the circular economy. It’s a model which Great Lakes Rubber is proud to support and we’ve adapted our business operations accordingly to minimize our carbon footprint while still delivery high- quality products for our customers.

Through repurposed rubber from tires and other products, we can create a variety of new products such as lawn mower parts and liftgate bumpers for SUVS. In fact, we recently expanded our sustainable rubber product lines, which use between 48% and 51% repurposed rubber.

Additionally, nanotechnology is being assessed to enhance our “green” rubber offerings to further expand and accelerate their applicability and use.

The circular economy is revolutionizing how we think about recycling and reusing products made of components such as plastics and rubber. And Michiganders have never shied away from revolutionary technology and leading the way in revolutionizing business. We’ve been a national leader in the automotive space, and I believe we can replicate that drive for innovation in the recycling and circular economy space.

Don Demallie

President Great Lakes Rubber Co.