Circularity in electronics is too often reduced to materials and hardware recycling. In practice, hardware cannot remain in use if software support ends prematurely, interfaces are locked, or repair documentation is missing. Truly circular electronics require a holistic symbiosis of Cradle to Cradle (C2C) hardware design and Free Software.
This interactive workshop serves as an early co-creation format of the Cradle to Cradle Electronics Initiative (C2CEI). It brings together participants from industry, research, and the open-source community to actively map out concrete synergies between C2C design principles (like modular hardware) and open-source practices across the entire product lifecycle.
Through facilitated group discussions and collaborative prioritization exercises, participants will identify current digital barriers to circularity and develop practical recommendations develop practical recommendations for long-term software maintenance, hardware repairability, and open documentation under upcoming regulatory frameworks like the Right to Repair and the Digital Product Passport. The outcomes will be documented and published openly through the C2CEI to foster future cross-industry collaborations.
