What is circularity? Use fase + R-strategie
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Time for the Use Phase!
Two weeks ago, we explored the Pre-Use Phase — short, powerful, and packed with smart decisions. Now, it’s time to take the next step: the Use Phase!
And this is the perfect moment to introduce you to the R-strategies.
What are the R-strategies?
🤔 R-strategies?
Yes! These are circular strategies designed to ensure that products and materials retain their value for as long as possible.
The longer we use something wisely, the less waste we generate.
Some R-strategies have a greater environmental impact than others, but together they are key to building a circular economy.
From Pre-Use to Use: shifting the focus
In the Pre-Use Phase, the focus was on:
✅ Rethink & Refuse – Can we design products more intelligently to avoid unnecessary use of raw materials?
✅ Reduce – How can we use materials more efficiently?
Now that we’ve entered the Use Phase (or in Dutch: het gebruik 😉), it’s all about extending the lifespan of a product.
How do we keep a product at the peak of its value?
Right now, a product is on the market and holds its highest value.
Our goal? Keep that value for as long as possible — because the longer something stays in use, the less waste we create. Sounds logical, right? 😉
Strategies to extend product life
🔧 Repair – Maintain or fix it, just like in grandma’s day!
💡 Rethink – Can a service or new concept help extend a product's life?
♻️ Reuse – Could we set up a second-hand program to give products a second (or third) life?
The 10 R-strategies at a glance:
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Refuse & Rethink – Avoid unnecessary use of resources
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Reduce – Use materials more efficiently
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Redesign – Design products with circularity in mind
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Reuse – Reuse existing materials
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Repair – Maintain and fix products
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Refurbish – Restore or upgrade products
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Remanufacture – Reuse components from discarded products
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Repurpose – Give products an entirely new function
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Recycle – Process and reuse materials
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Recover – Recover energy from used materials
Which R-strategy does your business already apply?
Our bi-weekly LinkedIn and blog posts will continue to guide you through our new project — entirely based on the Value Hill model and supported by VLAIO!
🌍 #CircularThinking #RStrategies #UsePhase #SustainableDesign
