During this project we have also taken into consideration criticism of the circular economy model and other possible solutions. The circular economy may not be the only or the fix-all solution, but it is the model that both EU and Sweden has identified as the key strategy for society to adjust and meet the high goals that exist both nationally and globally to cope with the climate crisis, and we can expect large investments and legislations to accelerate this transformation in the next few years. Electronics have been pointed out as one of the next important focus areas in this process. They are often built in complex ways, consist of valuable components and resources, are difficult to recycle efficiently and are rarely produced close to the market. Most electronics do not qualify for Cradle-to-Cradle certification.

With input from Axis, Hässleholm Miljö and a large number of other stakeholders, we mapped out the entire existing value chain. We conducted interviews and workshops, carried out study visits and desk research, and attended lectures and seminars. From the collected knowledge, we developed unique visual models and diagrams of the different resource flows and decision-making processes to map obstacles and opportunities for change. From here, we conceived a number of different future scenarios and developed visionary concepts to explore possible future opportunities.

Electronics age fast, even more so in today's smart integrated systems and it is a challenge to make them attractive over a longer period of time. Different components within a product have varying lifespans, and the lifespan of electronics is particularly vulnerable to change over time for several reasons. It is therefore essential to continuously consider this in order to optimize design, upgrade strategies, and system solutions—ensuring that electronics do not become the limiting factor in the overall durability of the product and the system it is part of. The growing “right to repair” movements in both the EU and the US emphasizes the growing demand for making these products easier to upgrade and repair.

So far, the general sustainability focus has mostly been on CO2 emissions and recycling, when it really should be more resource focused. It is still important to phase out toxic materials and to design for more recycled materials, but unfortunately that won’t cut it. One major reason to think more resource-oriented is the coming shortage of many critical raw materials. Several of these are part of critical components and are a prerequisite for many of the important technologies of the future. Key in the transformation towards more circular and sustainable design solutions is to maximize the use of resources, to extend the use-phase as much as we possibly can and then ensuring the most responsible and effective recycling.

The design process will be a key enabler in this transition and developing new design solutions and services will prove necessary to enable the desired change and to fit these new business models.

The project resulted in many key insights that helped accelerate internal initiatives at both the organizational and operational levels. As a spin-off from the project, visionary initiatives were launched to explore alternative design solutions based on insights gained. Alternative sales models and ownership structures were examined, take-back solutions were developed and tested, and a circular strategy feasibility study was initiated.