ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part focuses on a step-by-step route towards closed-loop systems. The idea of designing things in such a way as to ensure they are always a useful resource for either the natural or synthetic worlds is quite alien. In the meantime, many ideas and concepts that consider living in harmony with natural ecosystems have gained in popularity. One of the biggest challenges that faces humankind is how to exist without damaging so much of our planet’s natural resources. This is done as we mine for resources, as we refine them, utilise them and then when we throw them away. However, most of that development has only happened over the last 150 years or so, and it should be noted that we have only been manufacturing plastic for a little over 100 years.
