Design 4 Take Back

Flanders is highly dependent on imported raw materials. Therefore, it is essential to evolve towards a circular economy, where products and parts are used once again to the maximum extent. Design 4 Take Back consciously focuses on the higher R-strategies: repair and reuse. From a systemic approach, companies work on circular product design (such as modular design and easy disassembly) as well as on a feasible take-back system, including logistical and financial aspects. The process consists of joint sessions, guidance in living labs, regular knowledge sharing and a closing event with storytelling around the results.

This project guides manufacturing companies in setting up an economically feasible take-back model to reduce their material and carbon footprint through repair and reuse. The three participating companies are UNILIN, Smappee and Umbrosa.