How Fast is Your Circle? Learning from Lean Development
The circular economy aims to close the loop—keeping products in use rather than discarding them. But completing a full cycle is often slow and fragmented. A "circular" product might be made from recycled materials, but its future is uncertain. Recycling schemes exist, but whether materials are processed, resold, and reused remains unpredictable.
Should we focus on designing better circular cycles instead of just aiming for circularity?
Lessons from Lean and Agile Development
Software development once relied on the "waterfall" method—meticulously planning every detail before development began. The result? Slow, expensive failures, often delivering software no one wanted.
Lean methodology changed this. Originating from the Toyota Production System (TPS) in the mid-20th century, Lean principles focused on reducing waste, improving flow, and maximizing efficiency. Later, *The Lean Startup* by Eric Ries revolutionized product development by promoting rapid prototyping and continuous iteration.
The key lesson? The faster we cycle through design, testing, and learning, the faster we improve. Circular economy strategies could benefit from the same approach.
Rethinking Impact: From Absolutes to Continuous Improvement
Sustainability discussions often frame impact as an absolute: "This product has this carbon footprint." However, continuous improvement could be a more useful mindset. In software development, progress isn’t shamed—it’s measured and iterated upon. Transparency through tangible data allows for learning and adaptation. The sustainability movement could shift away from virtue signaling and toward measurable progress.
Faster Product Cycles, Faster Learning
Industries move at different speeds. Cosmetics, clothing, and consumer electronics have shorter product life cycles than cars or infrastructure. This makes them ideal testing grounds for circular models. The European Union’s new legislation targeting fashion’s environmental impact is a step in the right direction. Lessons learned from fast-moving industries can inform longer-cycle industries like technology and automotive manufacturing.
Beyond Longevity: Prioritizing Learning and Adaptation
Conventional wisdom suggests making products last longer is always better. While longevity is valuable, learning faster is equally important. Testing circularity in industries with high turnover can provide insights that benefit slower-moving sectors.
By embracing continuous improvement—just as Lean and Agile development have done—the circular economy can become more effective, scalable, and resilient. The faster we iterate, the faster we solve sustainability challenges.
