Complexity and Uncertainty in Circular Closed Loop Supply Chains - Case studies

To build a circular economy it is crucial to deeply understand the working mechanisms of the entire value chain and to identify the triggers that will support or speed up the transition to a closed loop. 3 subprojects, focusing on different value chains and products, aim to identify current bottlenecks in their respective value chain for reaching a higher level of circularity. This is achieved by investigating individual building blocks of the chain, identifying the relevant actors, their interests, the uncertainties each party is dealing with, the (inter)dependencies, and the material- and information flows. The most pronounced difference between the three value chains lies in the maturity levels. Tin is a well-known element widely applied in the metal coating industry. On the other hand, Lithium-ion batteries, containing a complex mix of among others cobalt, manganese, lithium and nickel, represent a relatively immature and developing sector. Timber construction materials are also part of a mature industry, however, its circularity potential can be considered as a rediscovery of the value of wood. In all subprojects it is important to understand the environmental and economic impacts across the value chain to make robust decisions for the transition to a circular economy.

File number

NWA.1418.20.008

Project lead

E. Folkertsma

Lead organisation

TNO

Programme

Vernieuwing

Funding instrument

NWA L3

Status

Afgerond

Theme

Individual and society

Sickness and health

Consortium

Arcadia, ArtEZ University of the Arts, Artist & Enough Room for Space, Artmando Multimedia, Ateliers 89 Fonds, Avans Hogeschool, CASE, Cathedral of Thorns/Fundashon di Artista, Collectief Walden / Stichting Urwald, Das&Boom, De Afvalkoningin, de Appel, EKWC, Farm to Crafts (Designing Perspectives Foundation), Filmmaking for Fieldwork, Fossil Free Culture NL, Framer Framed, Freelance, Freelance designer, Freelance/Utrecht University, Fries Museum & Keramiekmuseum Princessehof, Groninger Museum, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Hanzehogeschool Groningen, Hogeschool van Amsterdam, Imagination for Development and the Nature of Values Aruba (IDNOVA), Instituto Buena Bista, Into Nature Biennal, Kunstcentrum de Ploeg, Oerol Festival, Proefboerderij Dubbele Dijk, Provincie Groningen, RADIUS Center for Contemporary Art and Ecology, Rijksakademie van beeldende kunsten, Rijksmuseum Twenthe, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Schumacher Labs NL, Stichting Cool Mediators, Stichting De Onkruidenier, Stichting Het Klimaatmuseum, Stichting Het Rijksmuseum, Stichting ISRIC, Stichting Tetem Kunstruimte, Stichting Tijdschrift Noorderbreedte, Stichting Voedselpark Amsterdam, Stichting Voorheen de Gemeente VHDG, Studio Claudy Jongstra B.V., Studio Jonas Staal, Teatro KadaKen, TextielMuseum / Stichting Mommerskwartier, TNO, Totomboti & Saamaka Museum, Universiteit Twente, Universiteit Utrecht, Universiteit van Amsterdam, University of Aruba, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Wetenschappelijke Klimaatraad, Zone2Source

Complexity and Uncertainty in Circular Closed Loop Supply Chains - Case studies

Part of routes

Circular economy

We cover these questions

The Dutch Research Agenda (NWA)