EDITORIAL
3recyclinginternational.com | January/February | 2025
As the world navigates turbulent
times, a movement quietly gaining
momentum is shaping the course of
the future: the undercurrent. It is a
silent but powerful force which trend-
watchers estimate already involves one
billion people worldwide. They are
working towards a new society and
economy built on shared resources,
collaboration and trust.
In the undercurrent, cooperatives and
social enterprises focus on areas such
as energy, food, healthcare, education,
art and culture. These are not profit-
driven businesses but initiatives aiming
for social impact.
Example: across Europe projects pop
up where farmers partner with citizens
to invest in renewable energy. They
share not only the profits but also the
responsibility for sustainable energy
production. Another example: citizen
collectives are purchasing farmland for
environmentally friendly food produc-
tion, while regional cooperatives unite
farmers and citizens to promote
nature-inclusive farming.
You and I know that recycling is a cor-
nerstone of the undercurrent move-
ment. Recycling embodies the princi-
ples of sustainability and shared
responsibility. Citizen-driven recy-
cling projects are increasing; from
local waste collection cooperatives
to community-run material recov-
ery facilities, these initiatives empower
individuals to take control of their
waste management.
Communities worldwide are setting up
small-scale recycling plants to process
plastic waste into building materials,
furniture and even new consumer
products. We’re seeing a similar trend
with food waste composting and tex-
tile reuse. Not to mention e-waste
recovery: a growing number of com-
munities and non-profit organisations
are refurbishing electronic devices,
keeping hazardous materials out of the
environment while providing afford-
able technology solutions.
The growth of grassroots recycling ini-
tiatives has forced companies and gov-
ernments to take notice. Businesses
are adopting recycled materials in pro-
duction processes or implementing
take-back schemes for their products
while governments support recycling
through subsidies and stricter regula-
tion.
Recycling symbolises the shift toward
a more sustainable and cooperative
world. These initiatives demonstrate
the potential of collective action,
inspiring others to join and pushing
industries and policy makers to make
sustainability their first priority.
Martijn Reintjes
Chief Editor, Recycling International
Recycling International
Informaticaweg 3
7007 CP Doetinchem
The Netherlands
The undercurrent
power
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03_editorial.indd 3 29-01-2025 11:21
