When it comes to sustainability, circular economy is an almost overused term and it is worth taking a closer look. Product managers must be sensitized to the influence of design and production on recyclability in order to become active in the circular economy universe.
Among other things, our workshop provided insights into the post-use phase of products and intensified understanding of the requirements for high-quality recycling. Possible levers for improving the recyclability of products were also discussed. Responsible persons from our member companies ERCO GmbH, OBO Bettermann Produktion Deutschland GmbH & Co KG, Paul Vahle GmbH & Co KG, SIBA GmbH and WILO SE took part and brought along some of their products to put them to the test in terms of recyclability. Which parts and components can be reused or recycled? To what extent do they play a role in the recycling loop? Leon Jäger from Rodiek & Co. GmbH, a subsidiary of the Bremen-based Nehlsen Group that specializes in the development and implementation of innovative solutions in the areas of recycling, waste disposal, industrial services and logistics and implements projects for sustainable resource management, led the workshop. As an experienced environmental engineer and Project Manager International at Rodiek, he provided the group with important theoretical input, definitions and information on the topic of the circular economy and created a common basis for discussion.
The regulatory environment for resource-conscious management sets specific standards and stipulates corresponding laws. The European Union’s Green Deal is aimed at the transition to a modern, resource-conserving and competitive economy. Stricter climate targets and the Supply Chain Duty of Care Act present companies with new challenges and the EU Circular Economy Action Plan focuses on the entire life cycle of products with interlinked initiatives to standardize sustainable products, services and business models. Leon Jäger explained these regulatory contexts and then went into more detail about the differences between some of the terms. In Germany, for example, the circular economy refers exclusively to waste management. Circular economy, on the other hand, means that material flow knowledge is already anchored in the product design in order to increase the recyclability of the product. “Cradle to cradle” as a principle describes a product design with defined materials without pollutants or impurities, which enables high-quality recycling in defined, closed material flows. Leon Jäger then presented a method based on an evaluation matrix as a basis for estimating the recyclability of products. This analysis tool relates to individual process steps and was used directly: the product managers worked out what they could specifically observe about the individual process steps, such as dismantling or disassembly, recovery or reuse, for the products they had brought with them and presented their results to the group. We were able to discuss initial levers for improving recyclability.
It is essential to select materials and check whether materials currently in use can be sensibly replaced by others that are easier to recycle or contain fewer harmful or contaminating substances. Possible take-back systems should be considered in advance. Products may have the potential to function as a “service”; their longevity could be ensured through appropriate maintenance services. Ecodesign principles can be applied. The reduction of packaging material should be examined. The range of levers is wide and different for each product.
In the final round, the group gave very positive feedback and asked for further tips and recommendations on this important topic. NIRO would like to take this opportunity to thank Leon Jäger, who led the workshop in a lively and varied manner and provided instructive moments for everyone.
