Spotlight on Sustainability: A Circular Wiri
In May, we were proud to co-host the Circular Wiri Lunch and Learn with will&able – an inspiring afternoon of connection, circular thinking and practical solutions with guest speaker Louise Nash from Circularity.
We learnt about the three key principles that you can apply to the way you buy, use, make, and sell products:
- Eliminate – Design out waste and harmful materials.
- Circulate – Keep all resources in use for as long as possible, maximising their value and avoiding waste.
- Regenerate – Restore and regenerate the natural systems you rely on.
Why does it matter?
New Zealand is one of the highest municipal waste producers per capita in the developed world — and 71% of our waste still goes to landfill.
Real change starts at home. Circular Wiri brought local businesses together to ask – how can we reduce waste, unlock value and make Wiri a Circular Business District?
We learnt from you:
- 45% have a waste minimisation plan
- 33% have nothing in place
- 22% have a sustainability strategy
- 0% have climate or carbon reduction targets
- 34% of respondents are procuring for circularity (e.g. reuse, recycled goods)
- 45% stated cost was the biggest barrier to progress
What’s clear?
There’s genuine appetite for change and plenty of businesses are ready to act. What’s needed is shared continued conversation, support, and entry points that make it easier to start.
Circular economy matters
According to the Circularity Gap Report 2024, just 7.2% of the global economy is circular and that number is continuing to decline.
We need smarter systems that prioritise reuse, reduce environmental impact and create inclusive opportunities. This shift isn’t just good for the planet – it also builds customer trust and drives long-term business value
Benefits of Transitioning to a Circular Economy
There are a raft of reasons why adopting circular economy principles can bring significant benefits to businesses. Here’s our top five:
- Gain a competitive advantage in a changing market
- Lower production costs through more efficient use of resources
- Increased customer loyalty by meeting expectations with improved customer service
- Regeneration of natural systems
- Attracting talent with a commitment to sustainability
What’s next?
If you want to reduce waste, improve efficiency and future-proof your business, consider booking a site audit with Circularity. Contact info@wiribiz.org.nz or visit www.circularity.co.nz for more information.
will&able is your circular economy partner with over 30 years of experience putting circular economy principles into action. Through partnerships with businesses like Air New Zealand, Bluecurrent and Recircle, they’ve helped divert thousands of items from landfill.
By choosing will&able, you’re not just getting a skilled, reliable team – you’re supporting meaningful employment for neurodiverse and differently abled individuals and contributing to a more inclusive, sustainable future.
To learn more about how will&able can support your business, visit www.willandable.co.nz
Sustainability in Wiri
Our Lunch & Learn was just the start of the conversation. Wiri Business will continue to provide opportunities to hear about sustainability journeys of Wiri businesses, sustainability experts and volunteering opportunities to see how we can benefit nature firsthand.
Our next event
We’re pleased to continue the theme of A Circular Wiri.
At our next event, hosted online by Louise, we’ll explore the principles of circularity, hear about the great work being done by local Wiri companies, and tackle your questions on how circular thinking can create smarter, more sustainable business solutions.
