Holistic Resource Systems

Holistic Resource Systems that bring together an integrated package of waste management techniques to deliver maximum recycling and the highest reduction in CO2 emissions is the best way forward, here and now.

What is a holistic resource system?

Holistic Resource Systems (HRS) are proven waste management solutions that manage resources and minimize their impact on the planet. Watch the video to learn more.

Brochure cover: Holistic resource systems at a glance

At a glance

Holistic Resource Systems

Learn about TOMRA’s holistic approach to waste management and the three proven systems that can help increase recycled content.

Brochure cover: The 8 gaps along the plastics value chain at a glance

At a glance

8 gaps along the plastics value chain

TOMRA has identified eight gaps along the plastics value chain. Find out what they are, and how we can create solutions that fill them.

Brochure cover: Separate collections at a glance

At a glance

Separate collections

Find out how the separate collection of certain waste streams can help to increase recycling rates and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Brochure cover: Holistic resource systems

White paper

Holistic Resource Systems

This approach is based on a combination of established recycling practices, which include Deposit Return Systems (DRS), Separate Collections, and Mixed Waste Sorting (MWS). Explore how each method works on its own, as well as in conjunction with each other when you download our new white paper, Holistic Resource Systems.

Introducing Holistic Resource Systems

Holistic Resource Systems integrate waste management techniques designed to respond to regional challenges of managing resources and minimizing their impact on the planet. They are based on current policies and approaches on both national and regional levels that deal with existing products, materials, and waste flows. The composition of materials will inevitably alter over time, with systems being adapted incrementally to adjust to these changes. The unique advantage of using a Holistic Resource Systems approach is its capability to adapt to location requirements and future needs.

Holistic Resource Systems is comprised of:

  • Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) for PET and metal beverage containers – maximizing captures of high-quality, high carbon-intensity material while reducing litter. DRS may also include glass containers.
  • Separate Collections of organic waste, paper, glass packaging, textiles and e-waste – ensuring the maximum carbon benefit when recycling materials. Although separate collections are an intrinsic part of Holistic Resource Systems, the capture rates in even best practices are not good enough. Mechanical sorting to complement separate collections will always be necessary to achieve targets. Select materials may continue to be targeted via separate collections depending on the approach or cost-effectiveness.
  • Mixed Waste Sorting (MWS) generates additional recycling above and beyond what the other elements can deliver. The incineration or burying of plastics and other high carbon materials unnecessarily generate GHG emissions. MWS reduces those emissions and puts the material back into the system for incorporation into new products.
  • EPR policies to underpin the system are vital to its success.

Significantly reducing GHG emissions requires the implementation of Holistic Resource Systems worldwide. To achieve the highest recycling rate and maximum environmental benefits, every part of the system is vital to its overall success. MWS needs to be considered an investment priority now, as it is a required backstop to ensure we are capturing all the resources we can. Now is the time for bold action.

TOMRA is committed to taking post-consumer plastic packaging waste management to a new level worldwide. Having pledged to enable 40 % of all post-consumer plastic packaging produced globally each year to be collected for recycling by 2030, we take our commitment even further. TOMRA also intends to enable 30 % of all post-consumer plastic packaging to be recycled in a closed-loop system in the same timeframe. Additional analysis and case studies on Holistic Resource Systems will be made available in due time.

HRS Infographics

View infographics explaining Holistivc Resource Systems (HRS) visually below.

TOMRA Talks Circular

Listen to HRS experts on our podcast, which aims to affect real change with real conversations.

Volker Rehrmann

Volker Rehrmann

The Evidence-Based Solutions to our Waste Management Crisis

Arnoud te Winkel

Arnoud te Winkel

Tonnes of valuable material go up in smoke every year They don’t have to

Debbie Fletcher

Debbie Fletcher

Holistic resource systems: A simple solution to a complex problem

Laszlo Szekely

Laszlo Szekely

Living in a plastic world
 

Nancy Strand

Nancy Strand

UN Plastic pollution treaty: Unpacking the latest developments

Jacob Rognhaug

Jacob Rognhaug

UNEP kicks off negotiations to end plastic pollution

Learn how we can leverage solutions that already exist

Industry experts Volker Rehrmann (TOMRA) and Joe Papineschi (Eunomia) discuss the white paper, Holistic Resource Systems, the solutions that exist to overcome our current plastic waste crisis, as well as the direct link between the mismanagement of waste and climate change.

Brochure cover holistic resource systems in short

In short

Holistic Resource Systems in short

Holistic Resource Systems integrate waste management solutions that manage resources and minimize their impact on the planet. Learn more about these solutions.