Culture and circular economy

Brands embracing a cultural perspective in circular economy product design can include values that go beyond environmental consciousness, which is often perceived as a top-down directive, focusing on compliance. Instead, an anthropological viewpoint that explores the intrinsic role of objects in human life gives product design a purpose that goes beyond form, function and environmental concerns. For this we have to consider the profound relationships we establish with objects, as well as the social bonds and connections facilitated by possessions over time.

Early mass-produced goods fostered the use, repair, and repurposing of objects over extended periods. Skilled technicians or craftsmen could not only repair but also enhance these items.

This not only deepened the connection with the product, akin to the relationship classic car owners share with their automobiles, but also forged social bonds, reciprocity, and kinship. Objects became conduits for storytelling within social circles, evolving into heirlooms that further enabled redistribution through the economic exchange with technicians.

It's essential to note that adopting a cultural perspective in circular economy product design is not confined to artisanal products. Brands like Bamix, known for their hand blenders, exemplify this approach by building a reputation for products that can be serviced. Numerous accounts exist of Bamixes being passed down from one generation to the next, showcasing the enduring impact of a cultural lens in the realm of circular product design.