Handling Collection

HC3: Not a Product, a Service

Circular Economy ObjectiveThis activity assumes that students have already completed HC1 and HC2. HC2 identifies the need for designing with Cradle to Cradle principles in mind however simply being designed with these attributes alone does not mean that it is a circular economy product. The business model which the product operates s the crucial determinant. This activity allows students to take prior learning from HC1 and HC2 to create whole systems proposals in HC3.

Lesson Objectives•Identify Cradle to Cradle techniques that are important in a circular economy model•Explain that in a circular economy companies provide a service, not just the product alone

Starter (30 seconds)

Will this be Recycled, Up-cycled or Down-cycled?

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson you will be able to:•Identify Cradle to Cradle techniques that are important in a circular economy model•Explain that in a circular economy companies provide a service, not just the product alone

Introduction (2 minutes)

Think about the circular economy. What role do these two companies play?Discuss in pairs

Watch the video: From Consumer to User

Access or ownership?

Work in small groups for this activityMake four lists. Use these headers:

•Products or services I pay to use but don’t own•Products or services other people pay to use but don’t own•Products which I’d be happy to access but not own•Products I will definitely want to own

Would you hire your clothes?

Would you hire your clothes?

Does it depend on what the clothes are? Is it ok to hire a fancy dress, handbag or kilt, but not something else?

How would a ‘Netflix for clothes’ service work? Map it out

More detail

Summarising the Business Model:In pairs, create two lists that summerise the points below – this will prove important later on during this activity when you design your own business model.

AdvantagesTo companies operating a circular

economy business model like ‘Netflix for Clothes’

DifficultiesThat may be encountered in running a

circular economy business model

A “Wealth” of Opportunity?

Pick a product

In your groups you have just 60 seconds to select a product from the list, or choose one yourself which has circular economy potential but is currently not being realised.

Challenge on next slide

Mobile phoneTelevisionFamily carWhite vanDIY equipmentLightingGames consoleHousingMusic systemSports equipment

A “Wealth” of Opportunity? (20 Minutes)

Re-ThinkYou have selected a product: imagine this is no longer a product, but a service.

ChallengeCreate a new business model that uses circular economy principle for your chosen product. This should be a diagram which are you able to present and discuss!

STOP 1: Re-Think! (after 5 minutes)

Can you cascade any of your current materials / components?

Can they offer value elsewhere before they returnto their materialpool?

STOP 2: Re-Think (after 10 minutes)

Can you build in reuse and remanufacture rather than recycling

Can materials be owned by the service provider?

STOP 3: Re-Think (after 15 minutes)

How circular economy is your model looking?

Are all loops closed?

STOP 4: Re-Think (end of activity for 5 minutes)

Evaluating your model against the “Ten Steps for Profitable Recovery of Resources”Use the list below to access your performance but importantly outline what the next phase of business design would look like: For each point, give yourself a score out of 5A.Define ingredients. Make preferred lists of ingredients to improve recycling quality. (aim for up-cycling, not down-cycling)

B.Materials simplification. Improve functional diversity of materials.

C.Materials pooling. Co-operate with users of same materials to achieve economy of scale.

D.Intended use pathways. Define each step of use and disposal for the product and materials.

E.Plot logistics pathways. From take-back until delivery back to manufacturer.

F.Design for assembly & disassembly. Optimise steps, parts and materials.

G.Compare brand-dedicated sorting, upgrading and recycling to generic systems.

H.Define use periods. Estimate when materials will come back and to which stakeholder.

I.Determine type of ‘service concept’. e.g. rent-a-service, deposit scheme, third-party lease as alternatives to selling

J.Adapt regional infrastructures. Design systems for regions with differing infrastructures.

Plenary: Presentation of Circular Economy Business Model

Presentation Points to Include1.How does your circular economy business model proposal operate? 2.What is your score out of 50?3.What do you need to adapt to get 50?