Intensifying the use of products

Measures that focus particularly on the use phase and enable the longest possible life and intensive use of products greatly reduce the need for new goods and therefore also the resources required. To this end, products are reused, repaired, improved, reconditioned or parts are reused for other purposes.

Goods that have already been produced should remain in use for a long time while using as few additional resources as possible. Circular product design aims for longevity, repair and reuse in other products, placing particular emphasis on dismantling and high-quality materials.

In order to enable reuse (R4), systems must be developed that facilitate the transfer from one use cycle to the next and optimize logistics. (Digital) access to previously used goods should be just as easy for users as it is for new goods. In addition, ensuring quality and user trust in used goods is essential to implement reuse on a large scale.

Products that cannot be directly reused are repaired (Repair, R5) or improved (Refurbish, R6) to bring them back to the state of the art. If repair is no longer possible, parts of products can be used for new, similar products (Remanufacture, R7) or other products (Repurpose, R8). All of these measures require systems that enable efficient logistics. Technologies for processing goods and passing on information about the products are also essential for this purpose.