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Value retention
Value retention
In the circular economy, value retention is the central focus. Everything of value must stay valuable. Nothing can go to waste. And waste becomes a raw material once again. This is only possible by thinking differently, designing smarter and using products more creatively.
Take a washing machine, for example. In the circular economy, it lasts longer. What if something goes wrong? Then it will get repaired. When it's time for renewal, it will get an upgrade. It can be resold for a second life elsewhere - until it can no longer be repaired. The still usable parts can serve for new machines. And when even that is no longer possible, the materials are recycled - not as waste, but as building blocks for something new.
The circular economy is therefore based on reuse rather than waste. Nothing is worthless. It's just waiting for its next life. To make this possible, it must be easy to disassemble materials, preferably bio-based or recycled during production, and dismantleable or recyclable at end of life.
Linear versus circular
Working agendas
Working agendas are collaborative efforts that address the circular economy in six themes. For each theme, the partners draw up a flexible plan that includes ambitions, work paths and actions. The working agendas are guided by a public and private leader, supported by a core group.
Strategic levers
Strategic levers are accelerators that move the strategic agendas forward. They address shared challenges and opportunities through one central approach. They are led by initiators (government and private) with support from a core group. The partners come from different backgrounds - from society and businesses to investors and government.
Ecodesign: principles & strategies
Principle
Ecodesign looks beyond form and function. It considers the environmental impact of every design decision - from raw material to end-of-life. Because sustainable choices are possible at every stage of a product. Smart design with an eye for economy and ecology creates innovative products that are better for people and planet. In this way, ecodesign contributes directly to a circular economy.
R-Strategies
Up to 80% of a product's environmental impact is determined at the design stage. That means that during the design, you need to think not only about use, but also reuse and recycling. It's all about the full life cycle scenario of a product.
The R strategies in a nutshell:
Doing business in the circular economy
The essence of the circular economy is simple: nothing goes to waste. As in nature, resources continue to circulate endlessly. With benefits for planet, businesses and citizens. Sustainability therefore changes from obligation to opportunity.
More and more companies are seeing this opportunity. From major players to innovative start-ups, they are all exploring the possibilities. These forerunners are testing circular principles in practice: is it possible? Does the customer want that? Will we secure funding? Is it really more sustainable?
These are the five business models:
Circular input
Recovering raw materials
Extending the useful life
Sharing platforms
Product as a service