Which challenges around circularity would you like to tackle? Looking for advice? We are happy to consult with you and are an independent safe haven for collaboration.
The REuse Lab team is a practice-oriented partner that helps organizations shape the transition to a circular model in which products are reusable, easy to repair, and simple to maintain.
We build on a specific question from your organisation and offer support and advice based on data-driven experiments and scientific and multidisciplinary expertise.
Collaboration is possible in the following ways:
- Your organization as a partner in a grant-funded project: Become a partner in one of our research, experiment, and co-creation projects with subsidies from VLAIO or other funding channels.
- REuse Lab as a partner in your grant-funded project: We will support and monitor your pilot project on circularity.
- Consultancy assignment: Tackle a specific challenge related to circularity with us, using our network, scientific expertise, and customized approach tailored to your organization.
- Keynote, workshop, or training at your organization or event: We offer inspiration and share knowledge on circularity, tailored to your organization or event.
We have already collaborated with:
- Samsonite in the Repairability tool project.
- Becton Dickinson in the REmedi project.
- Torfs and A.S. Adventure in the Everpax project.
- JBC and Decathlon in the REuseInStyle project.
- UZA and UZ Ghent in the reCURE project.
- … and many more organizations.
What organisations have already approached us for:
- How can we market our reusable product? What systemic change is needed?
- We want to better understand our product users so we can stimulate them towards long-term reuse.
- How do we handle the guidelines imposed on us by (upcoming) legislation?
- How can we make our products genuinely repairable? How can we evaluate/compare our products in terms of repairability?
- How can we encourage our product users to choose second-hand or repair? What are possible motivations and obstacles?
- How should we monitor a circular pilot project for the purpose of scaling up?
- Can you take the lead on this project to achieve systemic change?
- Could you connect us with XYZ (network)?
- Which scientific literature is available on this subject? What has actually been proven?
- How can we build an ecosystem around our product? With which partners should we collaborate?
- ...
The conditions for a successful circular transition
Reuse is complex. Years of research and practical experience have taught us what is needed to make reuse truly work. These conditions make reuse successful:
- The reusable product is high-quality and safe. How? We set up pilot designs and determine quality parameters.
- The user desires and trusts the reusable product. How? We research consumer behaviour.
- There is a value chain for reuse with optimal collaboration between organizations. How? We set up pilot projects and map out the value chain and network.
- The reusable product and the value chain are commercially and economically viable.
Our approach and method
We work according to a practical and iterative process, completing these four phases of circular innovation:
- SCAN
We analyse the specific case or challenge. We study material flows, logistics, and waste. - DESIGN
We develop a reusable product that meets the requirements in terms of safety, ease of use, and regulations. - CHANGE
We implement the new product in a realistic test environment and measure impact, efficiency, and acceptance. - REPEAT
We apply the lessons learned to a new case study. This is how we prove that the design and implementation is scalable and repeatable.