Startups have a unique position to become frontrunners in circular production because they can work with it from the very beginning. Former circular entrepreneur, researcher, and now Circularity Manager Rasmus Jørgensen shares practical advice to help you get started.
The circular strategy where companies reclaim used products from customers for refurbishment, reuse, or recycling is called takeback. This approach is not only crucial to stop the overuse of our planet’s resources but also meets increasing consumer and regulatory demands for sustainable practices. However, many startups hesitate, fearing complexity and costs.
Rasmus Jørgensen, has firsthand experience with takeback systems: As a circular entrepreneur he started a company to refurbish used washing machines, as a researcher he followed companies making their first steps towards circularity, and now he works as a Circularity Manager at Danfoss Drives.
“It’s about finding how to create the most value from a used product,” he explains.
For instance, Danfoss disassembles used products to reuse components and sell materials like aluminum to recycling firms, turning potential waste into profit.
Four barriers and how to overcome them
Rasmus’ learnings can be condensed to five typical barriers. Luckily, he also knows how to overcome them:
- Where do we begin?
Start Small: Begin with a pilot project focusing on a single product line to test and refine your takeback process.
- How do I get products back?
Understand Regulations: Familiarize yourself with waste legislation to ensure compliance and avoid legal pitfalls.
- How do I create value?
Engage Stakeholders: Collaborate with suppliers, customers, and recycling partners to create a seamless takeback process.
Design for Disassembly: Create products that are easy to take apart, facilitating component reuse and material recycling.
- How do I make a business case?
Educate Customers: Inform your customers about the benefits and procedures of returning used products to encourage participation.
Want to try it out and make a pilot?
“Go out, try to do something – and be ready to learn from it,” is Rasmus Jørgensen’s best advice to startups looking to get started with takeback.
Right now, there is a golden opportunity to do just that – with expert help along the way.
To support businesses in implementing takeback solutions, Denmark’s manufacturing cluster, MADE and the Danish Industry Foundation have launched the project ‘Takeback strategies’ together with partners.
Over the course of 7-10 months, participating companies get access to online resources, 1:1 meetings with an expert, and workshops to plan a pilot for takeback.
Want to know more?
On May 26, a Learning Day at the Danish Technological Institute in Aarhus will dive deeper into the project. You’ll hear from companies already working with takeback, meet circularity experts, and learn how to get involved.
Project: Takeback strategies
‘Takeback strategies’ aims to assist manufacturing companies getting started with takeback. Companies receive expert help and tools to plan a pilot and find the right contacts for their next step.
The project runs from 2025 to 2028.
The project is part of a broader circular production initiative from the Danish Industry Foundation and is lead by MADE in collaboration with CBS, FORCE Technology, DAMRC, Danish Technological Institute and the Alexandra Institute.
Contact:
Frederik Wilhardt on +45 2122 0300, fwilhardt@made.dk (company takeback program)
and
Julie Lykke-Nedergaard (communication & online takeback tool), +45 4135 9760, jlnedergaard@made.dk
Julie Lykke-Nedergaard
Digital kommunikationskonsulentMobil: +45 41 359 760
Mail: jlnedergaard@made.dk
