LogiCELL (Logistics in a Circular Economy Living Lab)

The transition to a more circular economy is an important part of our sustainability goals. The Dutch government as well as the EU therefore also have ambitious goals to become more circular. From a logistics perspective, this means that we are reconsidering business models and the underlying supply chains. A lot of research has addressed the technological side of reuse and recycle strategies, and there has also been quite some work on circular business models. However, in many cases, these businesses struggle with
(1) the organization of circular networks and
(2) the planning of their logistics operations.

In previous projects (e.g., LogiCE), some of these logistics challenges have been identified. The LogiCELL project aims to further specify and address these two logistics challenges for both reuse and recycle operations, while generalizing learnings. The project is organized as a living lab, in which we combine several field labs focused on specific challenges (such as reusing solar panels, shifting to reusable plastics, and the collection and valorization of spent coffee grounds).

Grounded in the participative research approach of a living lab, the project will lead to direct impacts for the companies participating in the individual field labs. However, the collection and analysis of individual field lab results will also lead to generalized learning and policy implications. The specific and general findings will also be further valorized through our active participation in several national initiatives like the Dutch government’s transition agenda, the ongoing network Logistiek beweegt de Circulaire Economie, and the Dutch national week of the circular economy.