The 9R framework

Relab is built around the 9R framework: ten circularity strategies, R0 to R9, ordered from smartest to last resort. The higher a product stays on the ladder, the more of its value survives.

Most circular

Smarter product use and manufacture

1. R0Refuse
2. R1Rethink
3. R2Reduce

Extend lifespan of product and its parts

1. R3Re-use
2. R4Repair
3. R5Refurbish
4. R6Remanufacture
5. R7Repurpose

Useful application of materials

1. R8Recycle
2. R9Recover

Last resort

The ten strategies as a ladder. Each step down keeps less of the product intact, and the three groups mark where the loss changes in kind: the product is not made, then the product is kept, then only its materials are.

The tables below define each strategy; the ladder above shows only the order.

Smarter product use and manufacture

#	Strategy	Definition
R0	Refuse	Make product redundant by abandoning its function or offering the same function with a radically different product.
R1	Rethink	Make product use more intensive (e.g. sharing, or multi-functional products).
R2	Reduce	Increase efficiency in manufacture or use by consuming fewer resources and materials.

Extend lifespan of product and its parts

#	Strategy	Definition
R3	Re-use	Re-use by another consumer of a discarded product still in good condition and fulfilling its original function.
R4	Repair	Repair and maintenance of a defective product so it can be used with its original function.
R5	Refurbish	Restore an old product and bring it up to date.
R6	Remanufacture	Use parts of a discarded product in a new product with the same function.
R7	Repurpose	Use a discarded product or its parts in a new product with a different function.

Useful application of materials

#	Strategy	Definition
R8	Recycle	Process materials to obtain the same (high-grade) or lower (low-grade) quality.
R9	Recover	Incineration of materials with energy recovery.

Source

The 9R framework, after Potting et al. (2017), Circular Economy: Measuring Innovation in the Product Chain (PBL).