The programme is aimed at Nordic companies and R&D professionals.
The programme builds on the Circular Design Programme executed in Finland in 2023 by Ethica Ltd and Design Forum Finland with funding from the Ministry of the Environment. 50 Finnish companies, such as, Stora Enso, UPM, ABB, Kiilto, Genelec, Luhta, Stockmann and Marimekko took part in the programme.
What is it all about and for whom?
Aimed at industrial manufacturing companies, our programme targets medium and large enterprises with dedicated R&D and design teams. Tailored content for company leaders and product & service development professionals ensures alignment with strategic goals and circular design solutions. This programme is all about your tailored R&D support.
Over eight months from October 2024 to June 2025, this unique development programme coaches companies on circular business models and practical solutions, embedding circular design into processes and operations.
The programme culminates in concrete circular business goals and product/service concepts, with public content to inspire wider interest in circular design and business development.
Upon completing our Circular Design Programme, your company will gain:
- In-Depth Insights: Master the transition to a circular market and stay ahead of future legal requirements.
- Strategic Roadmap: Develop clear, actionable goals supporting your business's sustainable growth.
- Innovative Solutions: Design cutting-edge circular products and services that set your company apart.
- Powerful Tools: Equip your team with the latest tools to measure, evaluate, and enhance your circularity efforts.
- Opportunity to network with other Nordic circular frontrunners.
"According to the European Court of Auditors (2023), circular design of products and production processes is the most effective way of moving to a circular economy. We need even more prevention of waste instead of waste management.
– Hanna Törmänen , Senior Innovation Adviser. Nordic Innovation
The Nordic Circular Design Programme has its roots as a national circular design programme of Finland, and is now strengthened with several Nordic partners and brought to the benefit of Nordic companies. Nordic Innovation is a proud co-financer and supporter of the programme and we encourage companies across the Nordics to apply."
Partners
Co-financed by Nordic Innovation, this programme is presented by four leading circular economy organisations from Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.
Each partner brings extensive expertise and a deep understanding of their respective countries to the programme:
- Ethica Ltd, Finland
- Cradlenet, Sweden
- Norwegian Center for Circular Economy (NCCE), Norway
- Danish Design Center (DDC), Denmark
Content of the programme
Nordic Circular Design programme includes five learning modules on each track supported with online kick-off and live final event. One module consists of a podcast and 3-hour workshop.
Modules are a mix of online and live events: live events will be organised in Denmark, Finland and Sweden, the final event showcases companies' achievements to other companies, customers and the public. Online learning environment will support you throughout the programme.
Executive Track Themes
- Market Transition towards a circular economy
- How to Circular Customer Value
- How to develop a Circular Value Chain
- Leading Circular Change
R&D and Key Personnel Track Themes
- Circular Products: Design Strategies
- What are Circular Materials & Chemicals
- Life Cycle Analysis for Circular Design
- Testing and Prototyping Circular Concepts
Joint content on both tracks:
- Self-assessment and introductory 1-2-1 meeting
- Podcast series
- Virtual Programme Kick-Off
- Final workshop: Circular Strategies & Concepts
- Showcasing Event
