The 9R framework

R9lab is built around the 9R framework: ten circularity strategies, R0 to R9, ordered from most circular to last resort. The higher a product stays on the ladder, the more of its value survives.

Most circular

1. R0Refuse
2. R1Rethink
3. R2Reduce

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

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).