Participation in initiatives that champion and inspire future generations to advance the circular economy is something we’re continuously dedicated to at Garçon Wines. As an alumnus of the Emerging Innovator
A key part of the From Linear to Circular Challenge ten-week programme entails collaborative group projects and tackling challenges. This year, the teams were set a challenge focused on our flat, 100% recycled and recyclable PET wine bottle to see how we might be able to take recyclability to the next level or how we could explore reuse. The results were fantastic.
Anna Barnouw, Learning Programme Manager, Ellen MacArthur Foundation detailed:
“Garçon Wines designed a challenge for the programme that ignited the participants’ creativity and motivated them to apply their knowledge to an actual business case. The challenge has immersed the participants in an experience designed to concentrate and strengthen their knowledge and has equipped them to play a part in the transition to the circular economy.”
Participant from Group 21 in this year’s From Linear to Circular Challenge, Joris Šimaitis, a PhD student at the University of Bath, shared further detail about his experience:
“As exciting as circular economy theory is, it’s only through practice that you begin to understand the practical challenges, innovations required, and its real impact… My group worked with Garçon Wines who were looking to ideate a bottle reuse value-chain. In doing so, our team explored innovations in bottle manufacturing, reuse distribution networks, and reprocessing methods. We not only had the opportunity to deliver new creative ideas, but to expand our knowledge in new areas. The FLTC2021 programme and Garçon Wines was an amazing experience with myself taking forward fresh ideas and perspectives into my personal and academic journey.”
Joris also put together further thoughts via a blog post here.
As a representative for Garçon Wines, our Sustainability Lead, Mike Wilson, attended the final presentations from each group in the cohort of the programme participants. Both Mike and the presenting groups had the opportunity to share questions and feedback as a key part of the collaborative process.
Mike Wilson, Sustainability Lead at Garçon Wines said:
“We were absolutely thrilled to be invited to participate in the EMF From Linear to Circular Challenge for the second time. This year’s cohort truly excelled and delivered five brilliant presentations. It’s always a pleasure to be involved with industry professionals and academic students looking to advance their knowledge of the circular economy. At Garçon Wines, we not only value the importance of giving back within our ecosystem and of supporting the next generation of sustainability leaders, but also resolutely support the transition to a circular economy. It’s been really rewarding to receive so many brilliant ideas on how to improve the circularity of our bottle and our business models.”
We want to extend many thanks to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and hosts of the From Linear to Circular Challenge for inviting us to play a part in this programme and for the great opportunity to share future-thinking conversations, ideas and perspectives. For more information about the programme please see here.