How does the technical loop of the circular economy contribute to waste reduction?

The technical loop of the circular economy significantly contributes to waste reduction primarily through remanufacturing. This process involves taking used products, disassembling them, and restoring them to a like-new condition. By remanufacturing, materials and components are kept in circulation for a longer period, which prevents them from becoming waste.

Remanufacturing not only reduces the demand for new raw materials but also minimizes energy consumption and pollution associated with manufacturing from scratch. By reviving existing products and components, it helps to close the loop on resource use, thereby decreasing the environmental impact typically associated with producing new items.

While other methods, such as recycling, repairing, and reusing, also play essential roles in waste reduction within the circular economy, remanufacturing stands out as it optimizes existing resources to their fullest potential and creates high-quality products from items that would otherwise contribute to waste.