The future of recycling starts at the design stage
The transition to a circular economy often focuses on what happens when a product reaches the end of its life. But many of the decisions that determine whether a product can be repaired, reused or recycled are made long before it reaches the recycling facility.
The importance of designing for circularity is also reflected in the emerging EU regulation, Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), placing greater emphasis on durability, repairability, resource efficiency and recyclability.
Design choices that determine recyclability
A product’s recyclability is often influenced by details that may seem minor during the design phase. Material combinations, glued constructions, composites, integrated batteries and inaccessible electronics can make dismantling and material recovery more difficult.
“Often, relatively small design adjustments can have a meaningful impact. Selecting materials that fit established recycling systems, minimizing complex material combinations and design for easy disassembly. Similarly, choosing mechanical fastening over adhesives, and use modular design where possible can make it easier to separate materials”, says Riccardo Paccaloni, Principal Consultant at Stena Circular Consulting.
From good practice to business necessity
Circular design has traditionally been seen as a sustainability ambition. Today, it is becoming a business necessity.
ESPR entered into force in 2024, with detailed requirements expected to be introduced gradually. Building on the success of the ecodesign framework, ESPR extends the scope to additional product groups and strengthens the focus on material use, sustainability and circularity across the entire lifecycle.
Priority areas in the first work plan include sectors such as iron and steel, aluminium, textiles, furniture and tyres. Products already covered by ecodesign requirements, including household appliances, heat pumps and smart phones, will gradually transition to the new ESPR framework.
Another key element of ESPR is the introduction of Digital Product Passports, designed to improve transparency and make information about materials, product composition, repairability and recycling more accessible throughout the value chain.
“Circular design is moving from a competitive advantage to an expectation. Companies that understand how products are repaired, reused and recycled can make more informed decisions already in the design phase and contribute to a more efficient use of resources”, says Riccardo Paccaloni.
About Stena Circular Consulting
Stena Circular Consulting, part of Stena Recycling, is a team of consultants, focusing on circular product design, zero waste initiatives and circular system design.
“Often, relatively small design adjustments can have a meaningful impact. Selecting materials that fit established recycling systems, minimizing complex material combinations and design for easy disassembly.”
Riccardo Paccaloni, Principal Consultant at Stena Circular Consulting.
