The circular economy: what is it?

In 2021, looking to make a difference in the world in our own way, it was unthinkable for Lysanne and me, the two founders of Pretty Ugly, to launch a company that doesn't care about the environment. With that conviction in mind, we dove into the circular economy and the fight against food waste.

That's why our delicious salsas are made with 100% fresh vegetables, but above all with ugly vegetables and/or local surplus produce, to do our part against food waste. All without compromise! On the contrary, our salsas offer something different from the rest of the market: fresh and delicious.

If you're wondering what we mean by "circular economy", you're not alone. We hear a lot about food waste and the circular economy, but what is it, really?

It's a production model based on reusing resources that come from the activities of other companies, aiming to eliminate waste by giving it new value.

The circular economy, as its name suggests, is an economy that works in a loop, not the linear production chain we know today (see images below).

Example of a linear economy production chain

Example of a circular economy

The circular economy has many benefits for Canada, Québec and the environment.

First, the circular economy can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of raw materials extracted, reusing existing surplus materials or materials in their second life cycle. It can also help protect natural ecosystems by reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and by encouraging recycling and composting. For example, in 2022, Pretty Ugly rescued 50,000 lbs of vegetables from food waste. That translates into nearly 25,000 lbs of GHG emissions avoided thanks to our activities.

The circular economy can also benefit the economies of Canada and Québec by creating new job opportunities in the recycling industry and by encouraging innovation and creativity in companies looking to reuse and recycle their products and raw materials.

For example, to make our Pretty Ugly salsas, we partner with local producers and distributors to give their surplus a new life. Basically, by buying their surplus or, in our case, vegetables considered ugly, we contribute directly to the fight against climate change while supporting the local economy. It's important for Pretty Ugly to pay for our fruits and vegetables in perfect condition that would otherwise have been thrown out with no market value, because we want to show that there is value there and that it's possible to build a profitable business around the circular economy.

Moreover, adopting the circular economy across all industries can help companies reduce their costs, since the residues from their production can be sold to other companies. It can also help strengthen the competitiveness of local businesses.

In short, the circular economy can have a positive impact on the environment, the economy and society as a whole.

For Pretty Ugly, it's a way to make a difference every day. That's why our mission is to share the benefits of the circular economy through our products. By offering a product that is 100% circular, we offer a simple solution for people who want to be part of the solution. Because when we take care of our planet, everyone wins.

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