Martin Postler: The circular economy is a production and consumption process that – in theory – generates products that are long lasting, repairable and recyclable, and can be consumed by a more appreciative user who values the product more and uses it longer so less waste is generated.
The circular economy is very much an idea rather than a guideline, and it‘s open for interpretation since it has to be applied to so many different products that are used in so many different ways by so many different people. In my opinion, the term ‘circular economy’ comes from the right angle of thinking, since it suggests a perpetual moment of a product lifecycle which could mean a recycling moment of returning materials to their original state but it can also mean a cycle of usage, repair and upgrade.
Designers need to understand that circularity needs a good set of skills and expertise. We need to talk to product engineers, product managers, material-sourcing people on eye level.…
