Nordic Innovation published Nordic Circular Design Programme's 2024-2025 Report: Boosting circular transition and innovation with Nordic businesses.
“The experiences highlighted in this report show the impact last year’s programme had on participating companies. These outcomes serve as evidence of the programme’s value and give a clear indication of what new participants can expect this year, with an updated focus on helping companies apply circular design principles and seize emerging business opportunities.”
The eight-month programme in 2024-2025 brought together 30 companies and more than 150 participants across Denmark, Finland, Sweden and Norway. NCDP is based on Finland’s National Circular Design Programme, developed and led by Ethica in collaboration with the Danish Design Centre, Cradlenet, and the Norwegian Centre for Circular Economy, and co-funded by Nordic Innovation. NCDP combined executive and R&D tracks to translate circular design into concrete concepts, prototypes, and action plans.
What the report covers
The publication distills practical lessons from five themed modules delivered in parallel tracks for management/executive and product/R&D teams. Topics include market transition, circular product strategies, customer value, safer materials and chemicals, LCA for decision-making, value chains, leadership and prototyping. The learning format combined live workshops, podcasts and an online environment to help teams move from insight to implementation.
Outcomes from Round 1
Participating companies developed new circular product or service concepts, produced prototypes or action plans and set clear goals for scaling circular business. The report highlights selected company cases and shared practices that others can adopt.
A joint Nordic call to action
The programme culminated in a joint statement calling for stronger cross-border collaboration, harmonised rules, and improved incentives for circular innovation in the Nordic countries. Readers are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the recommendations and consider the next steps.
Why this matters now
As the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation progresses and Digital Product Passports approach, companies require practical methods of aligning design, data and value-chain collaboration. This report is a concise playbook for management and product teams who are ready to progress from pilot schemes to large-scale implementation.
Read here in detail about the themes covered in the Nordic Circular Design Programme, and what the progamme can offer to the participants: Boosting circular transition and innovation with Nordic businesses | Nordic Innovation
Apply to the this year’s programme: How to Apply — Nordic Circular Design Programme