DesignforCircularity

DesignforCircularity is an approach to product and systems design that aims to enable circularity within the economy. It focuses on creating products and services whose materials and components can be recovered, reused, refurbished, remanufactured, or recycled at end of life, thereby reducing resource extraction and waste.

Core principles include durability, repairability, modularity, standardization, ease of disassembly, and the use of safe, recyclable materials. DesignforCircularity also emphasizes reducing material diversity where possible, designing for reuse across lifecycles, and enabling business models such as product-as-a-service.

Practices include design for disassembly, modular architecture, compatibility with recycling streams, use of recycled content, and digital tools like material passports to track composition. It aligns with eco-design and life cycle assessment frameworks and uses indicators to assess circularity.

Standards and frameworks include ISO 14006 for eco-design, circularity indicators such as the Material Circularity Indicator, and emerging product passports. In practice, designforCircularity supports take-back, remanufacturing, refurbishing, and leasing schemes.

Applications span electronics, automotive, textiles, packaging, and furniture, with sector-specific adaptations. The goal is to reduce environmental impact while preserving or increasing product value through extended lifetimes and closed-loop material flows.