Lean and the Circular Economy: Closing the Loop

The traditional economic model is often linear: we take resources, make a product, and then dispose of it. A circular economy, on the other hand, aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extracting their maximum value, and then recovering and regenerating products and materials at the end of their service life. Lean practices are a perfect fit for this model. By focusing on process optimisation, lean helps businesses design products that are more durable, easier to repair, and simpler to disassemble for recycling. For example, a lean-inspired design process might prioritise using standardised parts, making it easier to refurbish or reuse components. Furthermore, by improving supply chain efficiency and reducing transportation waste, lean supports the logistics needed to collect and re-distribute materials for reuse. Lean principles provide the operational framework for a circular economy, helping businesses close the loop and create a more sustainable, regenerative system

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