Unsustainable consumption patterns and material scarcity has been recognised as one of the challenges within the European Union. To change these patterns policy makers within EU are looking towards a transitioning into circular economy. Electronics and manufacturers of energy related products is found to be important actors in this transition, due to the unsustainable trends of consumption and the materials of important contained in electronics. Energy related products are regulated by the Eco design directive (Directive 2009/125/EC) containing implementing measures on energy efficacy. Today the directive is lacking methods for assessing material efficacy in energy related products. CEN/CENELEC was 2015 requested to develop standard methods on how to assess the material efficiency aspects; durability, ability to reuse, repair, upgrade, re-manufacturabiliy, recyclability and recoverability and use of recycled content and CRM content. This study sets out to assess the adaptability of the preliminary publications of the standards on to an Ericsson radio network product. The study is divided into two parts, part one assesses the general and product specific implementation of the selected standard documents. The first parts of this study are document analysis and seven interviews used to triangulate the general opinions on the standards. In part two the study sets out to test two of the methods found in the standard documents. The study found in the collection of recycling data and rates for a small radio network product, the product had a recyclability of XX% and a recoverability of XX% and a time for disassembly of XX seconds using the suggested method eDiM. The findings of this study suggest that these standardised methods are welcomed by the telecommunications equipment manufacturer but concerns on the amount of data required, future purpose and the reliability of the assessment methods still creates worries for the future. / Ohållbara konsumtionsmönster och materialbrist har erkänts som en av de största utmaningarna inom europeiska unionen. För att förändra dessa mönster så har beslutsfattare inom EU påbörjat omställningen till den cirkulära ekonomin. Elektronik och tillverkare av energirelaterade produkter har erkänts som viktiga aktörer i denna omställning, på grund av den ohållbara konsumtionsutvecklingen under det senaste decenniet och de viktiga material som används för att tillverka elektronikprodukter. Energirelaterade produkter regleras av Eco design direktivet (direktiv 2009/125 / EG) som idag innehåller implementeringsåtgärder för energieffektivitet i energirelaterade produkter. I framtiden kommer det även finnas implementeringsåtgärder för materialeffektivisering men idag saknas standardiserade metoder för bedömning av material effektivitet. År 2015 tillförordnades CEN/CENELEC uppdraget att ta fram och utveckla standarder för bedömning av materialeffektivitetsaspekterna; livslängd, återanvändning, reparerbarhet, uppgraderingsbarhet, återtillverkning, återvinningsbarhet och användningen av återvunnet material och innehåll av kritiska råmaterial. Den här studien syftar till att analysera användbarheten hos de preliminära publikationerna av standarderna inom ramen för Ericssons verksamhet. Studien är uppdelad i två delar, del ett bedömer det allmänna och produktspecifika genomförbarheten av de utvalda standarddokumenten. Resultatet från del ett baseras på en dokumentanalys och sju intervjuer, som används för att triangulera de generella åsikterna om standarderna. I del två testas två av metoderna ur standarddokumenten. Resultatets av testerna visar att den utvalda nätverksprodukten hade en återvinningsbarhet på XX% och en återhämtning på XX%. Studien visar även att nätverksprodukten hade en tid för demontering på XX sekunder när den föreslagna metoden eDiM användes. Resultaten av denna studie tyder på att dessa standardiserade metoder välkomnas av Ericsson men mängden data, framtida syfte och pålitligheten av bedömningsmetoderna skapar oro för framtiden.

As part of the European Union’s climate commitment including the adoption of the Paris agreement, the European commission has developed a long-term strategy with the goal to reach net zero CO2emissions in 2050. To achieve this, a transformation of the European industry is necessary, as it represents 30% of EU’s total emissions. A major challenge will be to cut emissions in the CO2intensive steel industry, which is considered hard to abate. To reach the Paris agreement, deep emission cuts are necessary to occur within a decade, before cumulative emissions are too high. Today, about 60% of all steel in the EU is produced using coke as feedstock, a process resulting in large CO2 emissions. A new process in which hydrogen is used instead of coke is under development, with no direct CO2 emissions as result. The implementation of such technologies can help shift the production from fossil based to renewable, with declining emissions as a result. Until now, most abatement methods are focused on the supply side, finding technical solutions that can reduce emissions. This study shows that technology can play an important role in the transformation of the steel industry but will not alone achieve the necessary reductions fast enough. To achieve near-zero emissions in the steel industry, the solution set needs to widen to include demand side measures. The results show that circular economy principles that promote higher shares of recycled steel and reduced losses have the potential to lower total demand. This also applies for circular business models, by which incentives for higher utilisation and lifetimes of products can be created. In this report, demand-side measures are analysed using a stock-based steel demand model. It is estimated that demand-side measures can decrease the steel demand by 27% in 2050, compared to a business as usual scenario. Applying circular principles would also increase the share of recycled steel being produced from old steel scrap, a process far less CO2 intensive than virgin production. The findings are, that demand side measures can provide immediate deep emission cuts necessary, saving time before new technologies are implemented. The lower steel demand also helps making the transition from fossil to fossil-free steel production easier. By a combination of demand side reductions and hydrogen-DR the steel industry in Europe can reach near-zero emissions by 2050.

Under de senaste århundradena har samhället tillämpat ett linjärt synsätt på ekonomin där varor produceras, säljs, används och sedan blir till avfall utan någon högre grad av återvinning. Det linjära synsättet har stor inverkan på vår planet med minskade ändliga resurser och ökat klimathot. Fler och fler har fått upp ögonen för att vårt nuvarande synsätt inte är hållbart och som en respons på den ökade medvetenheten har begreppet cirkulär ekonomi växt fram. Cirkulär ekonomi, i motsats till linjär, bygger på att sluta kretsloppen, både biologiskt och tekniskt. Begreppet innebär att minimera råvaruuttaget genom ökad återvinning och återbruk samt minimera avfallet genom att nyttja det som råvara någon annanstans. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka vilka åtgärder som skulle möjliggöra ett fastighetsföretags omställning från en linjär till en cirkulär affärsmodell. Det innefattar att belysa vilka områden som bör beaktas när cirkulär ekonomi inkorporeras i verksamheten och hur eventuella hinder kan övervinnas. Arbetet har genomförts genom en litteraturstudie där cirkulär ekonomi har undersökts både på generell nivå samt specifikt inom fastighetsbranschen. En intervjustudie har genomförts med fastighetsföretag och andra marknadsaktörer där resultatet visar på tydliga strukturella problem som måste övervinnas för att övergången mot en cirkulär ekonomi ska kunna äga rum. Avsaknaden av en marknadsplats för återbrukade material och produkter är central. Fastighetsbranschen visar på en medvetenhet kring miljöfrågor, kunskapen om hur cirkulär ekonomi ska kunna inkorporeras i verksamheten är dock mindre. Vidare framgår att digitaliseringen kommer vara en drivande faktor där nya digitala tjänster och plattformar möjliggör inte minst för nya delandetjänster och funktioner. Att cirkulär ekonomi måste kunna kopplas till affärsnytta är tydligt och ur övergången mot cirkulär ekonomi uppstår nya affärsmodeller som på sikt kan öka lönsamheten givet att fastighetsägaren i högre grad kan arbeta cirkulärt. / In the last few centuries, society has applied a linear approach to the economy where goods are produced, sold, used and then become waste without a higher degree of recycling. The linear approach has a great impact on our planet with reduced finite resources and increased climate threat. More and more people have become aware that our current approach is not sustainable and as a response to the increased awareness, the concept of circular economy has emerged. Circular economy, in contrast to linear, is based on ending the cycles, both biological and technical. This implies minimizing raw material consumption through increased recycling and reuse and minimize waste by utilizing it as raw material elsewhere. The purpose of this study is to investigate which measures would enable a real estate company to switch from a linear to a circular business model. This includes highlighting which areas should be considered when circular finances are incorporated into the business and how any obstacles can be overcome. A literature study has been conducted in which circular economy has been examined both at the general level and specifically in the real estate industry. Later, an interview study has been conducted with real estate companies and other market participants where the result shows clear structural problems that must be overcome for the transition to a circular economy to take place. The lack of a marketplace for recycled materials and products is central. The real estate industry shows an awareness of environmental issues, however there is less knowledge about how circular economy is to be incorporated into the business. Furthermore, it appears that digitization will be a driving factor where new digital services and platforms are vital enablers, not least for new sharing services and functions. Circular economy must be linked to business benefits and from the transition to circular economy new business models will emerge, which in the future can increase profitability, given that the property owner can work more circularly to a greater extent.

The purpose of our thesis is to determine to what extent the cow milk and oat drink industries can implement a circular economy according to Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s definition. In addition, we will discuss the impact on the overall sustainability.  31% of the anthropogenic emissions stem from processes related to food production and in Sweden, a significant portion of these stem from the dairy industry– which has also been noticed by some oat drink companies. The problem is further amplified by the fact that a third of the food produced for human consumption ends up lost or wasted. Multiple laws and policies have been introduced to combat this, and new solutions are needed. A term that has gained popularity lately is the circular economy, which focuses on closing the loop and thus eliminating waste. That way, if would be possible to see the environmental impact from the oat drink and cow milk industries in a bigger perspective.  We have conducted a qualitative study using primary and secondary data. The primary data stems from 11 semi-structured interviews and the secondary data comes from relevant documents by the companies. An inductive approach was used.  The results showed that it is not possible for these industries to implement an entirely circular food supply chain because of the inevitable food waste. Overall, there is also a lack of terminology and measuring methods in both areas related to the CE. Yet, the work with food waste has come far within the individual companies but the coordination between companies that will allow them to cooperate requires further attention. The efforts should be aimed at the consumer level and seek to clarify the question of responsibility. Furthermore, the difficulties in profitability must be solved, and an improved compensation system is needed. Finally, we noted that a circular economy is not by definition perfectly sustainable, and that changes in the oat drink can lead to other implications of a study like this one.

The current global waste problem presents significant challenges worldwide, and Spain is no different. Factors such as rapid urbanization, population growth, intensive agriculture, linear production models, and changing consumption patterns contribute to the upward trend in waste generation. To address these challenges and meet EU requirements, Spain developed the Law 7/2022 on Waste and Contaminated Soils for a Circular Economy (LRSC) to establish a legal framework promoting waste reduction, reuse, recycling, and proper waste management. The LRSC includes green taxes on plastic and landfill waste, incineration, and co-incineration. This qualitative policy research investigates the drivers and barriers influencing Spanish small and medium companies (SMEs) in transitioning to a circular economy (CE) and evaluates the effectiveness of the LRSC in supporting this shift reducing the scope to packaging waste. The study also aims to assess the impact of the LRSC, particularly the two green taxes within it, and address any emerging issues. Through a literature review and interviews with ten SMEs, the research reveals challenges in waste management, low recycling rates, and high landfilling rates in Spain. Barriers to circular economic models include the need for EU-wide alignment of laws, consumer education, stagnation of recycling technology, lack of economic incentives, high prices of recycled plastic, greenwashing, and cost savings. Companies face challenges such as lack of availability of recycled plastic, concerns about food contact packaging approval if produced with recycled plastics, changing company values and workforce habits, lack of legislative harmonization which increase the system complexity, capitalist marketing strategies, investment requirements, and lack of education. However, drivers for transition include consumer choices, economic incentives, and market demand. Concerns about the LRSC’s effectiveness in reducing packaging waste and facilitating the transition to a CE, include late implementation, eco-design and circular economy foundation deficiencies, selective collection challenges, and the low availability of recycled plastics. The LRSC is believed to have potential positive impact for the environment, however further efforts are needed to overcome the challenges identified in the study.

Yes / Construction and demolition waste (CDW) management and recycling practices are crucial for transitioning to a circular economy. This study focuses on the detailed characterization of CDWs, including hollow brick (HB), red clay brick (RCB), roof tile (RT), concrete (C), and glass (G), collected from seven different sites. The CDWs were characterized based on particle size distribution, chemical composition, and crystalline nature. Pozzolanic activity was evaluated through compressive strength measurements of cement mortars with 20% cement replacement by CDWs at 7, 28, and 90 days. The results showed that clayey CDWs exhibited similar physical/chemical properties and crystalline structures. Compositions of Cs varied significantly based on their original materials. CDWs satisfied the minimum strength activity index for supplementary cementitious materials, with pozzolanic activity influenced by fineness and SiO2+Al2O3 contents. The average strength activity indexes for HB, RCB, RT, C, and G were 84.5%, 86.3%, 83.4%, 80.7%, and 75.8%, respectively. Clayey CDWs contributed to mechanical strength development, while Cs' contribution was related to hydration of unreacted cementitious particles. G exhibited the weakest pozzolanic activity due to its coarser particle size. Overall, CDWs demonstrated suitable properties for use as supplementary cementitious materials in PC-based systems.

This  exploratory research  identifies  how  can  clothing companies  implement  textile recyclingtechnologies that help transition them to a sustainable circular economy business model, given the challenges of eco-innovation diffusion. The study is exploratory in nature, employs a literature review and a case study of Patagonia, the outdoor equipment and clothing company that pioneered the use of recycled fibers in the outdoor clothing industry and continues to have today several initiatives for diverting textile waste away from landfills.To implement textile recycling technologies, the company created the Worn Wear Program, the Common Threads Recycling Program and the possibility to return a worn-out garment to Patagonia’s distribution center by mail or from any store or local authorized dealer of Patagonia’s products. To make the recycling (or repurposing) of worn-out garments work, the company also established a repair department at its distribution center which receives all worn-out clothes sent for recycling or repurposing.

This project was performed in collaboration with Electrolux and takes off in the transition towards a circular economy where products are considered to have multiple life cycles and need to be designed to be able to cycle longer through maintenance and repair. Electronics are rarely designed to fit into circularity thus an induction hob was chosen to show this principle. The research question for this project was therefore how an induction hob should be designed and what other tools are needed to enable a non-experienced user to repair it to provide the perfect repair experience. The project began with a literature study which investigated the concept of circular economy, also how to design for circularity and sustainability. It moved on to investigating why people get rid of products and why people don’t get rid of products. It was found that there are many barriers at the individual’s level and at a structural level, as that people feel that they should replace their products after some time, as well as economical aspects. The main reasons why people keep their products are the emotional attachment to product or that it cost less than to repair than replace the product. A user study was performed to investigate the repair experience for an induction hob today. It was done through letting people disassemble an induction hob while they answered questions about the experience. The insights from the literature and the user studies were narrowed down to the following problems to be solved: Easy diagnosis, easy opening, identification, and replacement of the broken module. Concepts were prototyped and more rounds of user studies were performed with these. The final concept lets the hob stay in the counter while the repair is performed. It contains a tray which resembles a “bento box” in which the internal modules are placed that also functions as a hiding area for the cables in the hob. A new opening mechanism has been designed and the internal modules are now more approachable. The final result only considers barriers for repair at the individual’s level, lowering them to make the repair process easier. The diagnosis has become simpler through the NFC tag and the provided instructions and identification of modules was easier because of the icons. The design follows the Electrolux brand guidelines and gives the user the feeling that they can touch and replace the modules. Also, an electrical safety system has been added. The final concept gives a non-experienced user the tools and confidence to perform the repair themselves. When the user has performed the repair themselves, they are more prone to keep the hob for longer. / Det här projektet gjordes tillsammans med Electrolux och tar avstamp i förändring mot cirkulär ekonomi där produkter kan ha flera livscykler och därför behöver vara designade för att kunna underhållas och repareras. Elektronikprodukter är sällan designade för att passa in i cirkulär ekonomi och därför valdes en induktionshäll för att påvisa principen. Frågeställningen för projektet var hur ska en induktionshäll designas, samt vilka andra verktyg behövs, för att en icke erfaren användare ska kunna få den perfekta reparationsupplevelsen. Projektet inleddes med litteraturstudier som undersökte cirkulär ekonomi och hur produkter kan designas för att sträva mot hållbarhet och cirkularitet. Vidare undersöktes varför människor gör sig av med produkter samt varför människor behåller sina produkter. Det visade sig att det finns många barriärer både på individnivå och på strukturell nivå, såsom att människor efter en tid känner att de bör byta ut sina produkter, såväl som ekonomiska aspekter. Människor behåller sina produkter för att de har känslomässiga band till dem eller för att det kostar mindre att reparera än att köpa nytt. Flera omgångar av användarstudier utfördes, bland annat fick personer ta isär en induktionshäll för att kunna analysera upplevelsen av reparationen idag. Från användarstudierna och litteraturstudien upptäcktes följande problem som behövde lösas: diagnosticering, öppna upp hällen, identifiera och byta ut den trasiga modulen. Koncepten utvärderades kontinuerligt genom användartester med modeller. Det slutgiltiga konceptet låter induktionshällen vara kvar i köksbänken när reparationen utförs. En ny öppningsmekanism konstruerades och de interna modulerna designades om för att kännas mer tillgängliga och vänliga för användaren. I induktionshällen finns en inre ram som efterliknar en så kallad “bento box” där de interna modulerna placeras och alla kablar göms. Slutresultatet tar endast hänsyn till barriärer för reparation på individnivå och har sänkt dessa i de olika faserna i reparationsresan för att förenkla denna. Diagnostiseringen har blivit enklare genom NFC-taggen och de medföljande instruktionerna. Identifieringen av moduler har blivit enklare med hjälp av ikonerna. Designen följer Electrolux varumärkesriktlinjer och ger användaren känslan av att de kan röra och byta ut modulerna. Dessutom har ett elsäkerhetssystem lagts till. Det slutliga konceptet ger en icke-erfaren användare verktygen och självförtroendet att utföra reparationen själv. Efter den upplevelsen är de mer benägna att behålla hällen längre.

Textile waste amounts and its utilization are pressing problems in the EU today, with further expected worsening as legislations come into play, increasing collection rates. The EU strives towards a more sustainable future, however this future might entail initial disimprovement, as consumption and disposal behaviour are further expected to increase. The study showed by mapping the future material flow that potential scenarios are severe, in waste volumes and it is unclear how they will be handled and utilized. It is of highest importance to prepare to mitigate them through levers that enable preferred circular flows towards a more sustainable future. Reusing clothing might be such a lever that promises to partially substitute the demand for new products. Through quantitative research and a systemic and dynamic analysis, this study concludes that waste management remains an even more acute problem, whilst slowing consumption through reuse and maintenance of existing products might be a (small) step in the right direction.

This paper presents a project done within the field of office interior design, which aims to create an efficient set of services that caters to the needs of the interior designer while procuring and implementing used furniture in their projects. The project was conducted in collaboration with Plym Projekt AB, an interior design company who introduced the thesis topic, and Easy Steps, sustainability-focused consultancy company. The collaboration involved regular sessions throughout the course of the thesis, including feedback, guidance and co-creation. During the past two years, the Plym has seen an increase in the demand for sustainable furniture options in the office interior design field. Since then, the company has been attempting to update its business model to provide its customers with a sustainable alternative, encountering obstacles along the way. In addition to a literature review, primary research was conducted, including stakeholder interviews and an end-user questionnaire. Upon empirical data, the authors identified a gap in the industry that is ideally suited for a new actor. The project results in the development of this new actor and its business activities through service design, proposing a set of services that will not only benefit the interior designer, but also its clients, furniture suppliers, and other stakeholders in the office furniture industry. Finally, the service is partially demonstrated through the prototype of a digital platform.