Close the Loop
The Close the Loop project aims to change the way manufacturing companies design, manufacture, sell, and take back their products, as well as help the target group transition to more circular business practices.
The focus will be on informing and increasing knowledge about circular business models, how they are implemented, and how products are designed and engineered for a long service life. The project will also work to promote the increased use of recycled materials and resources in new products and processes, and stimulate the development of more resource- and energy-efficient production. The project will also work to create conditions for greater supply and demand for circular services through networks and promote reuse, repair, and sharing services. The project will promote innovation and technological development to facilitate circular business models and a more efficient and circular use of society's resources.
Goals and results
The project will contribute to a greener Europe and goal 2.6 by providing companies in Norrbotten and Västerbotten with tools, innovation processes, experience exchange, and knowledge about circular business models, circular product development, and resource-efficient production processes. The project will also bridge the gap in knowledge about how the adoption of circular business development affects the product development process.
The project will offer open activities, in-depth seminars and workshop series, as well as business cases and networks within the following themes:
- Circular business models
- Industrial design for circularity
- Resource and energy-efficient production processes
- Circular industry networks
Overall, the project will
- Increase the target group's knowledge of circular business models and circular flows, with a strong focus on design and product development
- Support companies in developing products that are designed for long life and easy recycling.
- Stimulate increased use of recycled materials in new products and production processes.
- Promote innovation and technological development that supports the circular economy.
- Create networks to promote circular product development, reduced resource use, minimisation of waste and promotion of reuse and recycling.
- Participating companies will have the opportunity to test and develop methods and tools that promote circular business models. This work is expected to lead to reduced waste and increased use of recycled resources, which in turn will strengthen the global competitiveness of companies.
Target
Manufacturing companies in Norrbotten and Västerbotten. Have not received negligible support exceeding EUR 300,000 in the last three years (applies to the entire group, for in-depth workshop series and company cases).
Project owners and financiers
The project is run by IUC Norr in collaboration with Energikontor Norr and Luleå University of Technology. The project is funded by the EU, Region Norrbotten, Region Västerbotten, Piteå Municipality, AIT, Snells Entreprenad, Lindbäcks AB, and the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth.
Which companies can participate in the project?
Companies in the manufacturing industry in Norrbotten and Västerbotten with:
- A maximum of 249 employees*
- Maximum turnover of EUR 50 million*
- Maximum balance sheet total of EUR 43 million*
- Have not received de minimis aid exceeding EUR 300,000 in the last three years*
*Applies to the entire group.
The project in brief
Project name: Close the Loop
Status: Ongoing until November 30, 2027
Project goal: The goal is for at least 30 companies to have begun developing circular products, processes, and business models by the end of the project.
Target group: Manufacturing companies in Norrbotten and Västerbotten
Funding bodies: European Regional Development Fund, Region Norrbotten, Region Västerbotten, Piteå Municipality, Snells Entreprenad, AIT, Lindbäcks AB, Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, IUC Norr, Energikontor Norr, Luleå University of Technology
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