Sustainable reconditioning - a critical factor for circular e-commerce

Important results from the project

Based on 12 months of in-depth studies and practical testing of reconditioning, new knowledge and in-depth understanding of critical processes for consumer products in e-commerce. The following main processes have been identified: customer use, return, inspection, sorting, reconditioning, and preparation for new use. The most critical processes for sustainable circular e-commerce are (1) customer use and (2) inspection. Critical factors have been developed that can assist in extending the lifespan and use of products for sustainable development.

Expected long term effects

The project has explored and contributed to knowledge in reconditioning for sustainable e-commerce. Knowledge has primarily been implemented at the participating case companies but also disseminated through seminars and workshops. A conference publication and a forthcoming journal publication have been generated presenting a framework for sustainable reconditioning for consumer products. A central area for continued development is the scalability of circular concepts. New projects have been initiated with a larger consortium for continued innovation and research.

Approach and implementation

The implementation has largely followed the planned project structure where two case studies have been dominant, Parently and Idun, and extension studies have been done with other actors within circular e-commerce. During 2023, studies of literature and work at Idun were carried out. In the spring of 2024, in-depth work has been done at Parenty with a research assistant who actively participated for 4 months in the operational processes together with suppliers and customers. Furthermore, follow-ups and extension studies have been done with a total of 5 other actors.