Alliance for Sustainable Medical Technology: Redesigning for Reuse and Re-X - systematically redesigning products for the circular economy and reuse

Products are often developed for their first use. For a successful circular economy, however, the requirements of future usage cycles must be taken into account right from the design stage - from reuse and repair to refurbishment and remanufacturing through to high-quality recycling.

The workshop "Redesigning for Reuse and Re-X" provides a structured approach to systematically develop existing products in terms of their circularity. Instead of applying individual eco-design measures in isolation, the participants first look at the entire product life cycle and identify key hotspots and challenges along the value chain.
On this basis, the working groups develop possible target images for a future sustainable product life cycle. Using the R-strategies of the circular economy, potentials for reuse, repair, refurbishment, remanufacturing or recycling are identified and specific requirements for product functions and product design are derived from this.
In addition, selected principles of eco-design and circular design are presented and applied to the solutions developed. In addition to technical issues, challenges such as regulation, economic efficiency, organization and feasibility are also considered.
Participants work collaboratively in Miro and can contribute their own products or use cases. These can be submitted at least one week before the workshop and will be integrated into the workshop work as far as possible. Prepared practical examples from the field of medical technology are also available.

Aims of the workshop

• Get to know the basics of circular design and ecodesign
• Systematically analyze product life cycles and identify hotspots
• Recognize potential for reuse and other Re-X strategies
• Derive requirements for circular product concepts
• Discuss technical, regulatory and organizational hurdles
• Develop initial ideas and solutions for your own products

Methods:

• Keynote speech
• Group work
• Miro workshop
• practical examples
• Moderated discussion

will follow shortly