From furniture to mounting frames for solar panels – this approach connects chain partners, encourages cooperation and helps even the most fragmented chains to develop a circular strategy together. The goal? Prevent products from simply being dumped in landfills and instead build a well-thought-out, sustainable reuse chain.
Chain-Tracks in a nutshell
A circular economy requires closed loops. That’s why the Chain-Track focuses on one question: how do we prevent a product from ending up in landfill at the end of its life?
“Thanks to our regular CIRCO Tracks, we have built up an extensive network and know exactly which companies need to be brought together to achieve closed loops. A Chain-Track often builds on this. We started with a dozen companies, but the group that wants to take the initiative at chain level for a circular economy is growing. More and more parties are discovering their role in the chain. Working together makes the circular economy more feasible and attractive.” – Bas Hillerström, CIRCO Trainer.
Bringing (fragmented) chains together
Many different parties are involved in the solar industry, resulting in a fragmented chain. Solar panels enter the market in different ways and disappear in different ways. This makes recycling a challenge. How do we ensure that companies are aware of alternative routes, rather than simply discarding products?
“We need to build a nationwide reuse chain. Putting products on the market is a fast track, but when they have to be returned, the process is really slow. We need to work towards a fast track for the return and reuse of products”, says Niels van Olffen, director of Stichting ZonNext.
Luuk Eeftink of Sunbeam adds: “A well-functioning reuse chain requires cross-sector cooperation and clear agreements. You have to build systems where you can both compete and cooperate and where a revenue model is maintained.”
Chain-Track in action: solar panel mounting systems
Ever wondered how we set up a Chain-Track and what the goals and challenges are? Watch the video below for a behind-the-scenes look at our Chain-Track approach to solar panel mounting systems. Discover the process, hear from the CIRCO Trainer and stakeholders about their experience of working together and the impact of our approach to building a circular chain.
One method, applicable to different products
“The fact that this method works is demonstrated by the number of circular chain initiatives that have already emerged from the CIRCO Chain-Tracks. And I see many more opportunities for the future. After all, this approach is not only suitable for solar panel mounting systems, but also for all sorts of other products. We have already done it for solar panels and furniture, and we will also do it for inverters. A Chain-Track is an excellent starting point for creating closed loops and keeping raw materials in the economy,” says Bas Hillerström.
Do you want to take the next step with your chain towards reuse and circularity? Check out our international agenda and our Dutch agenda to join one of the tracks.