Circular economy is recognized as the only sustainable model. It is essential for future economic development and is seen as synonymous with sustainability and resilience.

Why circular economy?

The reason is simple. The current take-make-waste culture is no longer sustainable. This is both ecological and economic.

What does circular economy mean?

A circular economy is a closed system where waste is minimized. It focuses on preserving as much value as possible throughout its life cycle.

Circular economy - a future full of benefits

There are many benefits to be gained from the circular economy:

• It reduces our dependence on depleting natural resources, which helps us build a more sustainable future.
• It stimulates sustainable economic growth and creates jobs, which is essential for both economic progress and social prosperity.
• It plays a key role in the fight against climate change by promoting sustainable production and consumption.
• It encourages us to use and purchase products in a more conscious way.
• It contributes significantly to achieving the European Union's climate goals.

Examples of the circular economy - the five loops for value retention

Circular design is often reduced to designing for recycling. However, in our view, recycling should only be a last resort. Before considering recycling, we need to explore other strategies for value preservation.

Use and reuse

Products should be used and reused as long as they remain functional, efficient, and relevant. When a product is no longer needed, it can retain maximum value by being passed on to another user.

Repair

Repair ensures that a broken product becomes fully functional again. The design should ensure that repairs are cost-effective, avoiding any loss of work performance.

Refurbish

Refurbishment, also known as retrofitting, involves replacing functional parts to make a product like new again or give it an upgrade. The product retains its value, and sometimes its value even increases thanks to new parts and labour.

Remanufacturing

Remanufacturing or parts gathering involves taking parts from discarded products for reuse. Although the product becomes worth less, some of its parts still retain value.

Recycle

Recycling should be the last option when all other possibilities fail. While recycling preserves only the material value, it is necessary to avoid incineration or landfill.

Circular design: the practice

Circular design at ETAP Lighting focuses on creating products that are long-lasting, easily repairable and upgradable, and fully recyclable at the end.

We have developed three strategies to ensure that our products retain maximum value throughout their life cycle.

1 - Endless product design for sustainable performance

The use phase determines the value of a product. Circular design aims to extend this phase by ensuring that the product continues to perform according to expectations and at an acceptable cost of use. Measures must be taken to keep the product functionally, technologically, and aesthetically up-to-date.

2 - Effortless product design for a longer lifespan

At some point during its life cycle, a product may no longer provide sufficient value to its users. This may be due to sudden failure, inadequate performance, or simply because the product is no longer needed. However, the product should not be discarded immediately. Thoughtful design choices can create economically viable options for reuse, refurbishment, and remanufacturing.

3 - Wasteless product design for easy recycling

When a product reaches the end of its useful life and no other circular options remain, recycling becomes necessary. To ensure that nothing is wasted, the materials used must be carefully selected with their current and future recyclability in mind. Good product design can facilitate end-of-life recycling, significantly increasing the likelihood of materials being reused in an economically viable manner.

More information about our strategy can be found here: Tomorrow's light.

Circular economy in Flanders

The circular economy in Flanders is an important priority as the region strives to achieve sustainability and minimize waste. Circular Flanders, the public institution responsible for promoting the circular economy in Flanders, plays an important role in this.

This partnership brings together governments, businesses, civil society, and the knowledge community, playing a vital role in Flanders' circular economy. Their approach focuses on supporting innovation and collaboration, sharing knowledge, and promoting circular economy policies.

A journey, not a destination

Transitioning to a circular economy can be challenging, but it also presents many opportunities. We need to rethink how we handle raw materials and waste. However, the benefits - including a better environment, a stronger economy, and benefits for businesses and people - are too important to overlook.

Our economy is a journey, not a destination. By choosing the right path with the circular economy, we can ensure that this journey lasts as long as possible, for us and for future generations.