Overview
In 2017, the Circular Economy Centre undertook the seminal project on circularity in defence in collaboration with the European Defence Agency.
The project was completed in November 2017 identifying a number of areas that are potential opportunities for applications of circular economy in defence in the near future.
We are delighted about the opportunity the Circular Economy Centre has to work with the EDA to explore ways this important concept can apply to the defence sector. We look forward to seeing how circular economy principles can make a real impact in this area.
Aims and objectives
Applications of circular economy methods in defence in the near future include:
- Additive manufacturing
- REACH
- Uniforms and personal items
- Energy and environment
- Smart materials
- Smart procurement
The suggested roadmap is designed for a sector that can aim to keep products, materials, components and equipment at their highest use for as long as possible and extract as much value as possible in manufacturing, material reuse (when possible), technology, procurement, energy and the environment. Further impact of the project will be captured as it is disseminated across Ministries of Defence of the EU member states.
Publications
Soufani, K., Tse, T., Esposito, M., Dimitriou, G. and Kikiras, P. (2018) “A roadmap to circular economy in EU defence inspired by the case of the Dutch Ministry of Defence.” The European Financial Review, 10 February 2018
Soufani, K., Tse, T., Esposito, M., Dimitriou, G. and Kikiras, P. (2018) “Bridging the circular economy and social enterprise: the Dutch Ministry of Defence and Biga Groep.” European Business Review, 18 March 2018