FAQs
What exactly is a "circular economy"?
Unlike the traditional "take-make-dispose" linear model, a circular economy focuses on keeping materials in use for as long as possible. At ēkot, we help businesses and organisations design out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in circulation to create a more sustainable future for Aotearoa.
What does ēkot Circular Solutions do?
ēkot Circular Solutions transforms discarded materials into valuable new resources. We collect and sort materials — starting with textile and soft-goods waste — and collaborate with partners to reuse them as circular raw materials for new products and infrastructure projects.
Our goal is to make waste reuse simple, practical, and commercially viable so that valuable materials remain in use rather than ending up in a landfill.
How can ēkot help my business or organisation?
We make circularity straightforward. Whether you are looking to reduce your landfill footprint, find new life for discarded materials, co-create or collaborate on a large-scale sustainability project, we provide the insights, practical actions and alternative solutions needed to "close the loop." We work with people, organisations, and government bodies to turn environmental goals into real results.
What kind of materials do you work with?
We focus on a wide range of discarded materials, with particular emphasis on high-impact areas, starting with textiles. With over 220,000 tonnes of textile waste entering New Zealand landfills annually, we are dedicated to turning these and other "waste" resources into circular products.
Why is the circular economy so important for New Zealand right now?
New Zealand currently ranks among the highest waste producers in the OECD, with 12.6 million tonnes of waste entering our landfills every year. By shifting to circular systems, we can lower costs, reduce our environmental impact, and build a more resilient economy that values resources rather than discarding them.
Do you only work with large corporations?
Not at all. We believe that everyone has a part to play in the circular transition. We collaborate with a diverse range of partners, from local community groups and small businesses to large-scale organisations and government entities. If you’re ready to rethink waste, we’re ready to talk.
How does the collaboration process work?
Our approach is built on four key priorities: Collaborate, Value, Impact, and Enable. We start by connecting the right people and organisations, valuing discarded materials as resources, and then implementing practical designs that cut landfill and keep materials in use.
I have a project idea or a waste challenge. How do I get started?
We’d love to hear from you. The best way to start is to reach out via our Contact Page or send us an email. Whether you have a clear plan or just a problem that needs a circular solution, we can work together to find the best path forward.
How can I stay updated on ēkot’s latest projects and insights?
You can follow our journey through our Blog, where we share updates on our latest initiatives, circular economy trends, and stories of how we are changing waste for good across New Zealand.