Innovation

In order to manage and recycle Personal Protective Equipment for an industry that has never done so, Circular Supply has developed a new structured system. This approach tackles the intricate collecting and coordination difficulties by putting in place a streamlined structure that covers the whole life cycle of PPE. The program entails precise collecting procedures and calculated alliances with outside recycling companies to guarantee that all materials are handled appropriately. The entire approach is intended to be replicable in order to grow across Canada and into foreign markets This invention directly supports a number of Sustainable Development Goals set forth by the UN. Its main link to SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) is that it establishes a circular PPE system with each step being accounted for. The company also manufactures customizable, impact-resistant gloves that can match each client's brand colours and logos, turning safety gear into a symbol of corporate pride. Additionally, the business aggressively promotes trash prevention rather than waste management by teaching customers how to properly launder their 100% machine-washable gloves. Additionally, by lowering landfill emissions, the solution advances SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and facilities) by constructing new recycling facilities where none previously existed. 

Inspiration

The inspiration for Circular Supply came directly from founder Riley Dewan's decade of personal experience in the Alberta oil and gas industry. Dewan had two issues: PPE shortages and overconsumption. This contradiction was exemplified by a memory of being denied safety gloves due to excessive use, while observing the reverse situation in other locations, such as Australia. Workers there had unlimited access to PPE and as a result, were tossing away many pairs a day because they had gotten dirty. PPE, a valuable and essential product, was being handled like disposable waste with little care for the environment and adding to landfills. Dewan's direct experience highlighted the global nature of PPE waste and the lack of a specific recycling system. There was a clear waste problem as well as a lack of essential equipment. The development of Circular Supply as a focused environmental project was spurred by this insight. The objective was to create a straightforward, quantifiable, and efficient method for companies to purchase, use and dispose of their PPE. The industry's response has been overwhelmingly positive, which validates Dewan's first observation. 

Overall impact

Circular Supply's main goal is “to eliminate PPE waste, streamline ESG compliance, and help companies create measurable impact”. This vision has already translated into concrete results. Its turnkey program allows companies to track their results through a digital ESG dashboard, among other tools, providing measurable evidence of progress and motivating companies to engage in circular practices. Circular Supply’s innovation has begun reshaping industrial waste management and creating social and environmental benefits in Alberta.

In the short-term, the company has so far initiated two pilot partnerships with industrial partners, which amid others, has had an “extremely positive” reaction to the innovation. Companies and workers are now being educated on waste management and on proper laundering practices to reuse washable material such as launderable gloves. This has led to immediate waste reduction and is changing long-standing habits around disposable PPE. All lightly used PPE that passes sanitization and quality checks is donated to local community initiatives as well as a portion of every product sold is donated to an Indigenous youth mentorship program.

In the long run, Circular Supply's third-party recycler is developing a facility in Alberta to reduce transfer distances and transportation emissions. This step is essential to establish recycling infrastructure for an industry that previously had none, directly supporting UN SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Circular Supply is working towards a research partnership with the University of Alberta to develop new manufacturing processes to transform used PPE into new products, such as impact bumpers made from safety gloves (the university has already researched remanufacturing processes for hard hats and safety glasses). These initiatives create local green jobs, expand Canada’s circular economy, and promote environmental responsibility, in accordance with SDG 12 and SDG 13.

Business benefit

Circular Supply has developed a motivating PPE recycling and ESG reporting program, successfully turning an environmental initiative into a profitable, scalable business model. Its system streamlines the process by “managing PPE collection, recycling, and ESG compliance documentation” for its customers. This provides measurable ESG value and waste reduction metrics, helping clients advance sustainability goals and compliance. These measurable incentives attract clients because of their pursuit of sustainability targets, helping Circular Supply open new markets within Canada’s industrial sector. Through its Circular Credit program, Circular Supply rewards clients with rebates based on the weight of PPE recycled, creating financial incentives for sustainability.

Founded in 2023, Circular Supply is preparing for commercial launch and currently operating pilot programs across Alberta, assisting industrial firms that earlier lacked PPE waste recycling solutions. Circular Supply’s program follows a “done-for-you” model implying that all steps – from collection and transportation to recycling and reporting – are handled by the company. This approach ensures fast and visible results. As the CEO explained in the interview, simplicity is essential, and by integrating a digital ESG dashboard, the company achieves it when it comes to sustainability reporting. This also brings transparent evidence of each client’s environmental performance building strong long-term relationships and customer retention.

By investing in research and strategic alliances, Circular Supply is diversifying its business. With the University of Alberta, it is developing remanufacturing methods to convert used PPE into new products, opening a new service line. Additionally, its collaboration with third-party recyclers and indigenous communities strengthens its social impact. Internally, the company has created local green jobs and reinforced its identity as a business where, as its founder Riley Dewan says, “profitability and purpose grow together”.

Social and environmental benefit

The innovation that Circular Supply has come up with greatly benefits both society and the environment. With a focus on collecting and recycling used PPE products, Circular Supply reduces the amount of waste going into landfills, helps companies recycle their old products, and creates local jobs. The benefits are not limited to creating jobs but also through helping less fortunate people who may not have warm clothing to get through the colder months. Circular Supply’s presence and innovation benefits society because they educate businesses and consumers on the PPE so they can use and reuse their products more diligently so less PPE ends up in the landfill. They take their societal benefits further by donating portions of their revenues to Indigenous youth mentorship programs and local community initiatives, cementing the fact that they are making a positive impact on society.

The environmental benefits that Circular Supply creates are vast. They are aware of their emissions, as they plan their collection routes to be as fuel efficient as possible, even providing containers by mail to further standalone businesses to exchange. They reuse garments that are up to standard, donate pieces that are in good condition but unable to be used in a work environment, and recycle the materials of the pieces that are too worn out. Not only are they keeping PPE out of landfills, but they are also providing information back to the company about how much waste they are creating so they can more easily reduce their environmental impact as well. Circular Supply not only manufactures PPE but also provides a complete waste management service that is societally and environmentally conscious and beneficial. 

Interview

Riley Dewan, Founder & CEO