We need a complex web of solutions

Engineers and designers have been exploring sustainability and circularity for years and there are a range of products, materials and systems already out there, making a difference. But these solutions are not being used on a wide enough scale, and consumers are not demanding sustainability in significant enough numbers.

Plastic carrier bags are a great illustration of this challenge. There are plenty of alternatives to the take-waste model, but none are as convenient and as well adapted to the immediate needs of the user. We need to go beyond an approach which focuses on materials and technology; we need a complex web of solutions.