We need to do more with fewer resources. However, nearly 90% of our clothing still ends up as waste, less than half of electronic products are recycled, and furniture is discarded as bulky waste. Our old toys gather dust in attics, basements, and garages. That is not a good story.
Valuable product flows must get a second life through upcycling. This means that furniture and electronics are refurbished (repaired and restored), transformed into new products (remanufactured), or repurposed for other high-value applications (repurposed and reused). Circular shopping is much more than just recycling.
Online retailers also share a formal responsibility with their suppliers. An increasing number of products are subject to extended producer responsibility (EPR). This means that suppliers are financially and often also organizationally responsible for the waste management of the products they introduce to the market. Who is already prepared for this today?
Online retailers have questions about developing innovative ecosystems for upcycling. What do these ecosystems look like, how do they evolve, and what factors contribute to their success? Which business models are available, reliable, and affordable, and how can upcycling initiatives be sustainably scaled? It is crucial not only to consider financial feasibility but also to assess the social value and the impact on resource scarcity. Lastly, how can we encourage our customers to embrace circular shopping? Unfortunately, these innovations are not readily available—we must design and test them together in practice.
Dutch Thuiswinkel published the Bluepaper ‘Circular Shopping in 2030’ in October 2023. This paper provides valuable insights into the driving forces behind circular shopping. It explores online retailers’ products and services, the organization of the circular ‘loop,’ and how online retailers can influence consumers. The framework sets out an ambitious agenda, but its implementation is still in its early stages.
Radical collaboration is needed for circular shopping—between different disciplines within companies and with suppliers. Collaboration between public and private parties in collection and processing is also essential. This can focus on the practical aspects of circular processes, such as collection systems and technology, clean collection vehicles, containerization, and local repair and return point networks. Additionally, collaboration is crucial for sharing data on expected circular flows, establishing a digital product passport, and optimizing return flow processing. And what more can the e-commerce sector do with successful C2C platforms like e-Bay and Vinted?
We should accelerate circular initiatives and encourage online retailers to take responsibility, particularly regarding furniture, electronics, toys, and clothing. If not for regulatory compliance or concern for future generations, then do it because it can be a profitable business model.
Walther Ploos van Amstel