6. Systemic Approaches

The opening chapter of Part II “Circular Economy” focuses on new forms of cooperation and communication between the players at different stages of the circular economy, including policymakers. Solving cross-stage challenges in the establishment and development of a circular economy requires overcoming economic, cultural, and language barriers between the players in the various stages. Suitable tools for this include moderated stakeholder processes or joint design concepts underpinned by parameters or instructions for action. A comprehensive overview of different design concepts, their advantages and disadvantages, including their increasing complexity, leads to the conclusion of the need for their harmonization and institutionalization. The analysis of the relationship between design and regulation identifies an increasing trend away from the previous focus on Design for Recycling (DfR) towards more comprehensive design concepts. The management guide on Eco-design of Plastics Packaging, developed as a result of a multi-year moderated stakeholder process with representatives from the packaging chain (packaging manufacturers, brand owners, retailers, recyclers), academia and society, defines Eco-design of plastics packaging not only as a design concept for reducing all environmental impacts but also as a management tool. As an overarching design concept focused on plastic packaging, the comprehensive Eco-design integrates here four design concepts geared towards sustainability, one of which is the Design for Recycling (DfR). Design for circularity from the perspective of industrial designers is presented for a wide range of consumer goods such as household appliances, furniture and cars, focussing on the role of industrial design play in the context of sustainability, design for circularity with plastics, and good design (for circularity). The case studies and design concepts presented in the this chapter each use a systemic approach to discuss or solve the respective challenges.