Policies to support reconditioning and reuse of ICT

Abstract

Circular business models are considered to be one of the key building blocks in the transition to a Circular Economy, but the viability of such business models is often dependent upon supporting policies. Relevant policies include support for waste infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, taxes and charges, and various informative instruments. This contribution reviews the literature on circular economy policies and discusses how current and new policies can support circular business models. Two companies who sell reconditioned ICT products are used as case studies in order to get a more detailed picture of the main barriers, and the need for policy support to overcome the barriers. The cases are built on semi-structured interviews with company representatives. The two companies both identify high taxes on labour and consumer perceptions among the most important barriers. The two companies differ in their opinions regarding the need for political support and whether waste rules are a major barrier, reflecting differences in their markets and supply chains.