CIRCO presents Blended methodology on International Hub event

Update

After implementing the Blended methodology for Circular Design Tracks in the Netherlands, CIRCO presented this method at their International Hub event in July. The event was attended by members of nine international Hubs. With a focus on how the Blended method can be brought into practice locally, the overall goal of the event was to share knowledge and experiences.

Blended methodology for international CIRCO Hubs

Direct starting point of the event is the availability of the Blended Track methodology: first of all in English and ready for translation into local languages. The method combines physical meetings with online classes. This provides extra flexibility for self study and the option of reducing time investment of participants and trainers. Also CIRCO found that the modules serve as something to fall back on for trainers. Extra benefits of this new format are that it is directly transferable to participants and processes support and uniformity.

 

Moving the Blended methodology forward 

During the event CIRCO actively encouraged knowledge sharing. Together the Hubs will share local practices and experiences to upgrade the Blended Track methodology locally and determine how to increase its effectiveness in different parts of the world. Like Bebel, a member of the Brazilian Hub commented in the open discussion: ‘It is really a matter of culture how we can apply it. Here we really need to encourage Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) starting up their Circular process and we found that interaction at physical meetings work best for this.’ Kadi Kenk, member of the Estonian Hub agreed and added: ‘We will certainly use this platform, also to go deeper into the materials afterwards. However I think the position of participants in the company matters too: designers might be more interested than managers in this structured process.’

Pieter van Os, Program manager International of CIRCO, is happy to see the growing network of Hubs present at the event: ‘Participating countries are enthusiastic to be part of the journey, especially because of the proven track record of the method in the Netherlands. This really helps to move the Blended methodology to go forwards.’

Blended methodology for international CIRCO Hubs _case Redley

Rethinking design

At the second part of the International Hub event several countries presented their cases and answered questions about country- or sector specific practices. This way the members dove deeper into the material, removed obstacles for implementation of the method and inspired each other with creative ways of application. Like the inspiring German trading company case in which they found a way to bring used coils back into the chain, saving 20.000 euros of new materials each time! Or the dedicated Redley Flip Flop case from Brazil where they set the ambition of recollecting and recycling 50% of all sandals sold in 2022. 

This way CIRCO gathers as much information and learnings from its international network to further upgrade the method and extend its reach. With the ultimate goal to motivate more businesses in different countries and sectors to rethink their designs.

"Participating countries are enthusiastic to be part of the journey, especially because of the proven track record of the method in the Netherlands. This really helps to move the Blended methodology to go forwards."
Pieter van OsProgram manager CIRCO International

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