How do you use circular economy principles in your design work?

1 What are circular economy principles?

Circular economy principles are based on three main strategies: designing out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and restoring and regenerating natural capital. These strategies can help you create more durable, efficient, and adaptable products that can be repaired, remanufactured, or recycled. They can also help you avoid harmful substances, reduce energy and water consumption, and use renewable or biodegradable materials.

2 How to apply circular economy principles to your design process?

To apply circular economy principles to your design process, you need to think beyond the linear model of take-make-dispose, and consider the whole life cycle of your product. This means asking questions such as: Where does the material come from? How is it processed and transported? How is it used and maintained? How can it be reused or recycled? How does it affect the environment and society? You can use tools such as the circular design guide, the circularity indicators, or the material passport to help you assess and improve the circularity of your design.

3 How to communicate circular economy benefits to your clients and users?

One of the challenges of circular design is to communicate its benefits to your clients and users, who may be more familiar with the traditional linear model. You can use storytelling, visualization, and prototyping to show them how circular design can create value for them in terms of cost savings, performance, convenience, quality, or social impact. You can also use labels, certifications, or incentives to encourage them to adopt circular behaviors, such as renting, sharing, repairing, or returning products.

4 How to collaborate with other stakeholders in the circular economy?

Another challenge of circular design is to collaborate with other stakeholders in the circular economy, such as suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, consumers, or regulators. You need to establish a common vision, language, and goals, and align your interests and incentives. You can use platforms, networks, or partnerships to facilitate communication, exchange, and feedback. You can also use co-design, co-creation, or co-innovation methods to involve them in your design process and solutions.

5 How to learn from circular economy examples and best practices?

One of the best ways to learn from circular economy examples and best practices is to look at the case studies and stories of other industrial designers who have successfully implemented circular design in their projects. You can find inspiration and guidance from websites, books, podcasts, or events that showcase circular design examples from different sectors, regions, and scales. You can also join communities, forums, or groups that share circular design knowledge, experience, and challenges.

6 How to keep up with circular economy trends and innovations?

Circular economy is a dynamic and evolving concept that requires you to keep up with the latest trends and innovations in the field. You can use online resources, such as newsletters, blogs, or social media, to follow the news and updates on circular economy topics, such as policy, research, technology, or education. You can also attend online or offline events, such as webinars, workshops, or conferences, to network with other circular economy practitioners, experts, or enthusiasts.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?