Reciclate

Reciclate is a term used in sustainability discourse to describe an integrated set of practices and policies aimed at keeping materials, products, and components within productive use cycles for as long as possible. The word is a portmanteau of recycle and circulate, and it has appeared in academic articles, policy briefs, and industry reports as a conceptual framework rather than a single standardized technique. Definitions vary, but common elements include design for recyclability, the use of standardized material streams, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and localization of material flows to shorten supply chains.

Reciclate emphasizes minimizing virgin resource extraction and reducing waste by creating closed loops. It involves product design that facilitates disassembly, labeling and tracking of materials, and incentives for manufacturers to maintain and reclaim products at end of life. It also encompasses urban mining and the development of infrastructure for sorting, collection, and processing of post-consumer and post-industrial streams.

Adoption challenges include economic viability, technical feasibility of recycling certain materials, regulatory alignment, and governance across multiple actors. Proponents argue that, when implemented with supportive policy and transparent measurement, reciclate can contribute to more resilient economies and lower environmental impact. Critics point to potential risks of greenwashing if the term is used without concrete metrics or enforceable standards.

See also: circular economy, design for disassembly, urban mining, extended producer responsibility, material-flow analysis.