Circular economy for electrical and electronic equipment: a life cycle design and management platform

Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) are essential products that support everyday activities such as washing clothes, storing food, and cooking. However, the limited application of life cycle engineering approaches in this sector creates a significant barrier to adopting circular economy models. To address this issue, this paper proposes a platform, called PiCo2RAEE, developed to promote the management of EEEs throughout their entire life cycle. The platform aims to facilitate coordinated collaboration among critical stakeholders, including designers, consumers, and end-of-life management entities. PiCo2RAEE integrates three main modules: (i) Design for Disassembly (DfD) tool to suggest design solutions able to simplify the disassembly of key components; (ii) Digital Product Passport (DPP) for tracking and sharing critical information among stakeholders along the value chain; and (iii) Second Life tool to encourage the exchange and reuse of knowledge, expertise, products, components, and materials. This platform enables the transition to circular economy practices by emphasizing durability, recyclability, reparability, and remanufacturing of EEE products. Improving these attributes, PiCo2RAEE supports the sustainable use of resources, reduces waste, and promotes the implementation of green and long-lasting solutions in the EEE industry. Its collaborative approach ensures that all parties involved in the product life cycle contribute to achieving a more sustainable and circular economy.