As Earth Day approaches on Monday, April 22, major recycling service companies like Waste Management (WM) and Republic Services (RSG) are preparing to announce their earnings. In anticipation of this event, PA Consulting’s Sustainability & Regenerative Economy Expert, Tony Perrotta, joined Yahoo Finance to discuss the opportunities in sustainability.
Perrotta believes there is $12 trillion worth of value in this sector and highlighted the ways companies are leveraging recycling technologies. He identified three major ways companies are adopting sustainable practices.
Firstly, he mentioned the growth of better mechanical recycling practices, aided by vision technology, robotics, and artificial intelligence. This allows for more efficient and cost-effective recycling processes that can handle a wider range of materials.
Secondly, advanced recycling technologies are making strides in the US, allowing for the conversion of hard-to-recycle materials back into usable forms using chemical or physical heat processes. These new technologies are revolutionizing the way we think about waste disposal and opening up new opportunities for businesses.
Lastly, Perrotta highlighted the move towards novel and alternative materials such as seaweed, alginates and plant-based fibers. These materials offer unique properties that can be used to create new products or improve existing ones while also reducing waste and environmental impact.
For more insights from experts and to stay updated on the latest market trends, you can watch the full episode on Yahoo Finance.
