At Rubbermaid Commercial, we recognise the growing responsibility our industry has in tackling global challenges like waste, carbon emissions and resource consumption. The circular economy provides a practical alternative to the traditional "take, make, dispose” model by promoting the extended use of products and materials.
Businesses can reduce waste, restore natural systems, and help achieve sustainability goals by using less new material and following circular principles throughout the product life cycle. It’s a shift that not only supports the environment but also helps deliver further value across the supply chain. This benefits local communities, the natural environment, and economic activity alike.
Originally covered in Incleanmag.com.au, this article is written by Driana Olaya Rodriguez, our Sustainability and Communications Manager for Rubbermaid Commercial Products. It explores how circular economy strategies can give cleaning and hygiene businesses a competitive edge. This advantage is particularly relevant during tendering and bidding processes.
The circular economy moves away from the traditional linear economic model of ‘take, make, dispose’ and instead focuses on designing out waste, keeping products and materials in use and regenerating natural systems. In the cleaning sector, this involves transitioning to circular economy practices, such as reducing reliance on single-use plastics, reusing existing materials, and investing in sustainable products like reusable or biodegradable alternatives.
These circular economy strategies aim to minimise waste and pollution, conserve natural resources, and reduce the need for virgin materials. They also help extend the life cycle of cleaning equipment and consumables, supporting long-term waste management goals and lowering environmental impact.
Rubbermaid Commercial Products sustainability manager Adriana Olaya Rodriguez says prioritising eco-design and circular economy principles – including reduced resource consumption, streamlined production processes, optimised shipping, and better packaging solutions—can help businesses reduce ghg emissions and improve pricing through cost savings.
“On the other hand,” she says, “for long-lasting products, such as our durable bins and carts, the objective is to keep the product functional for as long as possible to keep the materials in the functional loop.” This aligns with the circular economy aim to achieve further value from every component, reducing dependence on finite resources while supporting economic growth and sustainable outcomes across a broad range of sectors.
Sustainability has become a key criterion in procurement decisions, with many organisations seeking suppliers that align with their environmental goals and support the circular economy transition.. When preparing tenders, cleaning companies must demonstrate their commitment to circular economy principles through:
Product selection – Prioritising circular products such as environmentally friendly chemicals, refillable dispensers, and recyclable or reduced plastic packaging. This approach helps minimise waste and avoids dependence on raw materials.
Waste reduction – Implementing closed-loop systems that support recycling existing materials and reduce the generation of electronic waste. These circular activities align with the three principles of the circular economy.
Energy efficiency – Investing in equipment designed to lower water and energy consumption, and where possible, powered by renewable energy sources—a crucial step in addressing climate change and supporting more circular business models.
Lifecycle assessments – Demonstrating how product maintenance, repair, and refurbishment extend the usable life of assets. This reduces reliance on the linear economy model and adds further value to materials already in circulation.
Training and awareness – Educating staff and clients on best practices for sustainable cleaning practices, reinforcing a circular approach that can be replicated across different sectors, and contributing to global efforts promoted by organisations.
Adopting circular economy practices increases a company’s chances of meeting environmental targets, leading to financial benefits from reduced costs, lower waste disposal fees, improved efficiency and extended product lifespans, but it does take some effort. Embracing more circular economy practices can also help address environmental pollution and reduce dependence on virgin resources across the value chain.
“Organisations face several challenges when transitioning to a circular economy model,” Olaya Rodriguez says. “These include a lack of robust circular infrastructure, such as recycling facilities and efficient waste management systems, hindering the effective reuse and repurposing of materials when willing to design for recyclability.”
Another challenge Olaya Rodriquez highlights is the scalability of circular solutions. As proven today, many innovative and frontrunner circular solutions operate in very small scales, she says, and scalability requires big investment from the private and public sector, collaboration across many stakeholders and changes on public policies and current sustainability methodologies and frameworks.
She notes that overcoming these challenges requires collaboration between industry players, policymakers and researchers to invest in developing and expanding circular infrastructure, promoting innovation in scalable circular solutions and incentivising the production and widespread availability of affordable alternative materials.
This collaboration not only strengthens the circular economy transition, but also supports social benefits, helps regenerate nature, and ensures resources are maintained at their highest value. In the long term, this shift can help mitigate risks such as biodiversity loss and price volatility—issues that increasingly concern both the private sector and government bodies worldwide.
With sustainability becoming a non-negotiable in procurement, cleaning companies that fail to embrace the circular economy risk losing business to more forward-thinking competitors. Tender documents should clearly articulate the environmental and economic advantages of circular practices, backed by measurable data and case studies where possible. This approach not only reduces environmental pollution and resource consumption but also strengthens a company’s position across the value chain.
By embedding circular economy principles into tendering and bidding strategies, cleaning companies can win contracts and contribute to a greener, more responsible industry. The shift towards sustainable products, waste reduction, and a more circular approach is no longer an option – it is an expectation. Those who adapt will be best placed to deliver long-term social benefits and business resilience, especially across different sectors where sustainability drives growth.
At Rubbermaid Commercial, we're proud to support organisations on their journey towards circularity. Explore our durable, high-performance solutions that help reduce waste, minimise environmental impact, and deliver lasting value.
Written by Adriana Olaya Rodriguez – Sustainability and Communications Manager for Rubbermaid Commercial Products
About the Author
Adriana Olaya Rodriguez is the Sustainability and Communications Manager at Rubbermaid Commercial Products. With a strong background in environmental leadership and product stewardship, Adriana is passionate about embedding circular economy thinking into everyday business practices. Her work supports the development of sustainable solutions that balance innovation, durability, and environmental responsibility, driving positive change across the commercial cleaning industry.
