The dematerialization business model that focuses on reducing the use of materials in products and services.
This approach aims to minimize the environmental impact of production and consumption by designing products that require fewer resources and generate less waste.
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The Dematerialization Business Model Pattern
What is the Dematerialization Business Model?
The dematerialization business model is a strategy that seeks to create value by reducing the amount of materials used in the production and delivery of goods and services.
This model encourages you to design products that are more efficient, durable, and recyclable, while also exploring innovative ways to meet customer needs with fewer physical resources.
By minimizing material use, you can reduce costs, improve sustainability, and create a competitive advantage in an increasingly environmentally-conscious market.
Note: In sustainability, another term closely associated with de-materialization is “resource efficiency.” This concept focuses on using fewer resources to produce goods and services, aiming to reduce the environmental impact while maintaining or improving the quality of life.
Resource efficiency encompasses not only reducing the amount of raw materials used in production processes but also encompasses broader strategies like recycling, reusing materials, and designing products with lower environmental footprints throughout their lifecycle.
History of the dematerialization business model
The history of the dematerialization (DEMAT) business model can be traced back to the early concepts of sustainable development and eco-efficiency.
In 1987, the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development published the Brundtland Report, which defined sustainable development as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
This report laid the foundation for the modern understanding of sustainability and the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
In the 1990s, the concept of eco-efficiency gained traction as a business strategy for sustainable development.
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) defined eco-efficiency as “creating more goods and services while using fewer resources and creating less waste and pollution.” De-materialization is a key aspect of eco-efficiency, as it focuses on reducing the material intensity of products and services.
Here are some key milestones in the history of the dematerialization business model:
- In 1992, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (Earth Summit) in Rio de Janeiro produced the Agenda 21, a comprehensive plan for sustainable development that included recommendations for reducing material use and waste.
- In 1994, German chemist Michael Braungart and American architect William McDonough introduced the concept of “Cradle to Cradle” design, which emphasizes the creation of products that can be infinitely recycled or safely returned to the environment.
- In 2002, the United Nations World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg further emphasized the need for sustainable production and consumption patterns, including de-materialization strategies.
- In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a set of 17 global goals aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all. De-materialization aligns with several of these goals, including:
- SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): De-materialization encourages sustainable industrialization and fosters innovation.
- SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): This model promotes sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, as well as the reduction of waste generation.
- SDG 13 (Climate Action): By reducing the use of materials and energy in production and consumption, de-materialization contributes to the fight against climate change.
- SDG 15 (Life on Land): De-materialization helps preserve natural resources and reduce the impact of human activities on ecosystems and biodiversity.
In recent years, the circular economy has emerged as a framework for achieving sustainable development through dematerialization and other strategies.
The circular economy aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them while in use, and recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of their service life.
Companies like Philips, Renault, and Unilever have adopted circular economy principles, including de-materialization, to create more sustainable and resilient business models.
As concerns about climate change, resource scarcity, and waste continue to grow, the de-materialization business model is likely to become increasingly important.
Governments, businesses, and consumers are recognizing the need to shift towards more sustainable production and consumption patterns, and de-materialization offers a promising approach for achieving this goal.
By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals and embracing the principles of the circular economy, companies that adopt de-materialization strategies can position themselves as leaders in the transition to a more sustainable future.
Dematerialization Business Model Examples
Embracing the dematerialization business model involves innovative strategies aimed at minimizing the use of physical materials.
This approach not only fosters environmental sustainability but also positions companies for success in a market increasingly driven by eco-conscious consumers.
Here are six companies that exemplify commitment to dematerialization through their unique business practices:
- Fairphone: Fairphone designs smartphones with a focus on durability, repairability, and modular components, allowing for easy replacement or upgrade of parts. This significantly reduces the need for new materials, extending product lifecycles and lessening environmental impact.
- Interface, Inc.: As a modular carpet tile manufacturer, Interface reduces material use through innovative design and a robust recycling program, repurposing old carpets to minimize the demand for virgin raw materials.
- Patagonia: With its durable, long-lasting apparel and the Worn Wear program encouraging repair and reuse, Patagonia exemplifies de-materialization by focusing on product longevity and reducing the necessity for new material consumption.
- Blueland: Blueland innovates in the cleaning and personal care sectors by selling dissolvable cleaning tablets and reusable containers. Customers only need to buy the bottle once and can then reuse it with tablet refills, drastically cutting down on plastic waste and promoting a less material-intensive approach to household products.
- Evoware: Evoware is tackling plastic waste by creating food packaging and cutlery from seaweed. This biodegradable and edible material offers an alternative to single-use plastics, embodying the de-materialization model by replacing traditional packaging materials with a sustainable, renewable resource.
- Skipping Rocks Lab: Now known as Notpla, this innovative startup develops natural and biodegradable packaging made from seaweed and plants. Their products, which include water pouches designed to decompose within weeks, offer a practical solution to reducing the materials used in packaging, aligning with the de-materialization philosophy.
These companies demonstrate that dematerialization doesn’t have to compromise product quality or functionality. Instead, through creativity and innovation, de-materialization can lead to sustainable business practices that benefit the environment and offer consumers eco-friendly alternatives.