Riuso

Riuso is the practice of using objects or materials again after their initial use, rather than discarding them. In Spanish, riuso, along with reutilización, denotes actions to extend the life of products and materials through repair, refurbishment, resale, rental, or remanufacturing. It is a central concept in the circular economy, complementing reduction and recycling.

The practice emphasizes keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible, thereby maintaining their value and utility. Riuso can occur at different stages, from repairing a broken item to refurbishing it for a new owner, or repurposing components for other applications. It often involves collaboration among individuals, small businesses, and formal reuse networks, and it can intersect with social goals such as extending the life of goods for communities with limited access to new products.

Common areas of application include consumer goods (repair shops, second-hand markets, upcycling), packaging and logistics (returnable containers, refill stations), textiles (mending, remanufacturing into new garments), electronics (refurbishment and certified pre-owned devices), and construction (deconstruction and reuse of bricks, timber) as well as manufacturing strategies that emphasize modular design to support future reuse.

Challenges include quality and safety standards, contamination risks, logistics and inventory management, upfront costs, and consumer perception. Policy measures such as design for reuse, standardized components, reverse logistics, and incentives can boost riuso. Business models that lower friction—like repair-as-a-service or rental—also help, as do consumer education efforts that promote the value of extending product lifecycles.