The four circular loops
The processes that help extend product and material life are reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing, and recycling – the four circular loops. They will be enabled through a number of scalable solutions that we are testing and developing together with partners throughout our value chain, including our customers.
1. Reuse
The use of a product after it has been acquired, including all aspects of normal product use and care, such as maintaining its condition and adapting it to the evolving needs of life, as well as passing it on.
We encourage the reuse of our products by offering spare parts and fittings through IKEA after sales. Enabling second hand markets is another circular service that we offer and would like to expand. An example of this is the buy-back service we have been exploring in multiple markets. We have also piloted new product ownership models in a couple of markets, such as leasing.
2. Refurbishment
Used or damaged products are restored to ‘like-new’ condition, including repairs and upgrades made by customers. We encourage customers to explore product use and re-purposing, giving them a chance to live longer and reduce waste.
Through refurbishment services, products are evaluated, cleaned, repaired, upgraded, recertified, and eventually made available again. We are currently conducting small-scale tests on take-back services.
3. Remanufacturing
Usable parts from dismantled products are used in the production of new products. This increases resource recovery, making the final product more affordable.
We are currently redesigning existing products so that both reassembly and disassembly become easier. By doing so, we not only enable our customers to recycle the different parts, but also give them the possibility to modify or store efficiently to later reassemble again.
4. Recycling
Product parts are our material banks for the future. Through recycling they are transformed into a new raw material. We want our products to live for as long as possible – we only recycle them when there are no possibilities to reuse, refurbish, or remanufacture.
In some places where local infrastructures for recycling are not in place, we offer and arrange pick-up and transportation of waste for our customers.
Closer to a circular future
We all have a part to play in minimising the impact of waste on our planet. Together we can inspire change if we take care of, fix, adapt, upgrade and pass on the products we love instead of throwing them out. Long live circular products!
