The Transition to a Circular Network
Author
Ravn, Emma Elida
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2021
Abstract
Electronic waste is growing rapidly, and mobile phones are a major contributor due to short replacement cycles, limited repairability, and complex product design. This thesis examines how to advance a transition toward circular strategies—reuse, repair, and refurbishment—in the mobile phone sector. Using Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and Callon’s four phases, it maps actors, their relations, and role negotiations, including users, repair and refurbishment businesses, and non-human actors such as policy instruments and standards (e.g., Ecodesign and relevant certification schemes). According to the methods section, data collection includes interviews and a survey. The analysis finds that the attempted network formation was not durable because several key actors were not adequately enrolled. The thesis therefore recommends broadening the set of interests or reframing the problematization to engage key actors and thereby improve the prospects for a stable circular network. It also highlights barriers between linear and circular flows and discusses potential levers in legislation, ecodesign, energy labelling, and certifications to extend product lifetimes and reduce environmental impacts.
Elektronisk affald er en hastigt voksende miljøudfordring, og mobiltelefoner bidrager markant på grund af korte udskiftningscykler, vanskelig reparerbarhed og kompleks produktsammensætning. Formålet med dette projekt er at undersøge, hvordan overgangen til cirkulære strategier som genbrug, reparation og refurbishment kan fremmes i mobiltelefonsektoren. Med udgangspunkt i Actor-Network Theory (ANT) og Callons fire faser kortlægges aktører, deres relationer og forhandlinger om roller, herunder brugere, reparations- og refurbishmentetableringer samt ikke-menneskelige aktører som politiske instrumenter og standarder (fx Ecodesign og relevante certificeringsordninger). Ifølge metodeafsnittet indgår interviews og en spørgeskemaundersøgelse i datagrundlaget. Analysen viser, at den forsøgte netværksdannelse ikke var holdbar, fordi centrale aktører manglede at blive inddraget. Projektet anbefaler derfor at udvide interesselandskabet eller at omformulere problematiseringen for at engagere nøgleaktører og dermed øge sandsynligheden for et stabilt cirkulært netværk. Samtidig belyses barrierer mellem lineære og cirkulære strømme samt mulige virkemidler i lovgivning, ecodesign, energimærkning og certificering, der kan forlænge produkters levetid og reducere miljøpåvirkningen.
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