In a circular economy, products are primarily designed for what purpose?

In a circular economy, the emphasis is on designing products with a focus on durability, repairability, and recyclability. This approach contrasts with traditional linear economic models, where products are often designed for short-term use and eventual disposal.

By prioritizing durability, products are made to last longer, which reduces the need for frequent replacements and minimizes waste. Repairability enables consumers to fix products rather than discard them, extending the product's lifecycle and fostering a culture of maintenance and reuse. Additionally, recyclability ensures that materials used in products can be recovered and repurposed at the end of their useful lives, further decreasing the environmental impact and resource consumption.

This holistic design philosophy supports the principles of sustainability by promoting resource efficiency, reducing waste, and creating economic opportunities through new models of service and manufacturing. As a result, options centered around cost-effectiveness, increased production speed, or profit maximization may overlook the essential benefits of a circular economy, which revolves around environmental responsibility and resource stewardship.