The 4Rs – Rethink, reuse, reduce, recycle – are well-known steps to reduce waste and conserve resources, but over recent years the R-strategy has evolved to a much more circular approach. We spoke to Tania Saxby, our Head of Sustainability, about the emergence of these new models and the crucial difference between reuse and repurpose.
Recent models have now emerged that set out how circular design and manufacturing are essential to preserve resources, minimise waste and keep materials in circulation for as long as possible. This has led to the creation of a 10 R-strategy.
They represent a true shift in our relationship with resources, challenging us to rethink our consumption patterns and product design to ensure that we keep materials in use for as long as possible before the recycling stage.
Tania says: “Whereas before, the emphasis was placed on Reuse to extend the lifespan of a product and its parts, the model has now been extended to include Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, and Repurpose as key strategies which each bring their own value.
“Although most steps are easy to understand, there is still some confusion between the theory behind reuse and repurpose and the two terminologies are often used interchangeably. However, it is important to distinguish the two and for the two to be treated differently.”
