October is Circular Economy Month, a time to reflect on how we can build a more sustainable and inclusive future. This year’s theme, “Creating a Stronger Community for All,” resonates deeply with me and with Emterra Group as an organization.
Community strength and resilience are the foundation of a thriving society. At Emterra Group, this means investing locally, creating long-term, meaningful employment, and recognizing each of our team members as individuals with unique skills, experiences, and needs. We believe that when people are empowered and supported, communities flourish.
As a family-owned business founded by my mother, Emmie Leung, nearly 50 years ago, our approach to success is rooted in long-term thinking. We don’t focus solely on quarterly performance metrics. Instead, we evaluate our progress based on how well we are advancing toward our long-term goals, while remaining resilient in the face of rapid economic, societal, and technological change.
Beyond diversion rates, we also consider social and economic indicators such as job creation, community engagement, and the well-being of our employees and partners. These metrics help us ensure that our impact is both environmental and human centered.
In alignment with this year’s theme, we are proud of our Community Care Programs, which allow us to put our values into action. For example:
In Canada, we partnered with local organizations to provide free period products to underserved communities, helping to reduce barriers to education and employment for menstruating individuals.
In Michigan, we supported a similar initiative that ensures access to period products for those in need, reinforcing our commitment to health equity and dignity.
These programs are inspired by the incredible work of grassroots organizations and serve as a reminder of the privileges many of us take for granted. They also reflect our belief that sustainability must include social justice.
Transparency is a cornerstone of our sustainability journey. At Emterra Group, we openly share both our achievements and challenges through our annual Impact Report. This report provides insights into our progress toward a circular economy and includes data, stories, and reflections from across our operations.
We also engage in webinars and collaborative studies to share our experiences with other organizations transitioning to low-carbon solutions. This openness helps build trust and fosters collective learning.
With over 1,500 colleagues across Canada and Michigan, our leadership team understands that our future is shaped by our origin story and the dedication of our team members, many of whom work in challenging conditions every day. This legacy keeps us grounded and guides our commitment to accountability, inclusivity, and transparency.
The circular economy is still a relatively new concept, gaining mainstream attention in the 2010s thanks to pioneers like the Ellen MacArthur Foundation. What gives me hope is the dynamism of this industry, invites creativity, innovation, and bold thinking.
Despite being nearly 50 years old, Emterra Group continues to evolve. We remain entrepreneurial and forward-thinking, helping our customers accelerate their transition to circular solutions. That spirit of innovation is what makes our work so exciting and impactful.
Let’s continue building stronger communities together, where sustainability is not just a goal, but a shared journey.
— Paulina Leung CSO, Emterra Group