Keel worked with QSA Partners and Icaro to conduct a full review of the evidence base demonstrating how business models coupled with household behaviour can promote a more circular economy for the UK electrical and electronics sector. The technical analysis and review identified the key actions manufacturers, retailers and policy makers can take to get the most value of these products throughout their material lives.

WRAP’s electronic and electrical equipment sustainability action plan (e-sap) has sought to pioneer innovative business practice and promote a more circular economy since 2012 by working with industry to generate greater commercial and environmental value from the products they produce. Following on from preliminary research indicating the market value locked up in unused electronics in the home in 2014, WRAP wanted to assess the evidence, impact, and findings from its industry programmes and collaborations.

The research was undertaken as a collaboration between 3Keel, QSA Partners, and Icaro to review and provide recommendations to industry, WRAP, and policy makers for what the next ten years of activities may look for the sector. Our review focused on consolidating and making sense of the wider implications of programme monitoring data, project reports, and household attitudes. The combination of which showed the potential of various solutions to extend the value of these products and materials by embracing circular economy principles.