Reanvendelse

Reanvendelse is a Danish term that translates to reuse or repurposing. In waste management and sustainability discourse, it refers to keeping a product or material in use by using it again, either for the same function or for a new purpose, without significant processing into raw materials.

Forms of reanvendelse include direct reuse (selling or donating usable items for others to use), repair and refurbishment to restore functionality, remanufacturing to return products to a like-new state, and repurposing or upcycling that gives the material another use while maintaining value. Reuse is distinct from recycling, which typically involves breaking down products into raw materials for new production.

Common examples appear in consumer goods (second-hand clothing, furniture, electronics repair), packaging reuse (returnable containers, refill systems), and construction (reclaimed wood, bricks). Municipal programs, repair cafés, and retailer-led refurbishment initiatives illustrate organized approaches to reanvendelse.

Environmental and economic benefits include reduced waste, lower resource extraction, energy savings, and lower emissions relative to new production and some recycling routes. Reuse can preserve product value and support local jobs and communities.

Challenges include quality and safety concerns, logistics and collection costs, market demand for used goods, and regulatory barriers. Consumers may face convenience gaps, and businesses must balance warranties and liability with reuse activities.

Policy perspectives position reanvendelse within the circular economy, emphasizing procurement of refurbished goods, standards for safe repair, and incentives for repair networks. As a core pillar of resource efficiency, reanvendelse complements recycling and material recovery rather than replacing them.