A holistic approach to circularity

For Seco, circularity is integral to all aspects of our business. It drives us to rethink not only product design and manufacturing, but also business models and customer value. “Circularity pushes us to explore innovative solutions across our entire value chain,” says Malvina Roci, Circularity Manager at Seco. “We’re deepening our understanding of circular opportunities, from exploring new business models and collaborating with our supply chain to extending product life, optimizing resource use, and ensuring efficient resource recovery.”

Beyond recycling – Designing for longevity and reuse

While recycling plays a crucial role in circularity, it is only one piece of the puzzle. We focus on designing products that are durable, easy to repair, refurbish, and recondition. Prioritizing recycled and recyclable materials allows us to embed sustainability at the early design stage.

Maximizing product use and efficiency

Designing products with circularity in mind is essential, but Seco goes further by collaborating closely with customers and partners to maximize product value. With our deep engineering expertise, we help customers optimize their processes and get the most out of every tool. Through value retention strategies such as repair and reconditioning, Seco extends product lifecycles and ensures they undergo multiple use cycles before recovering valuable raw materials. Our reconditioning services not only help customers reduce their environmental impact but also deliver significant cost savings by enhancing the longevity of each tool.

Traceability for smarter circularity

Traceability of our products and materials throughout the manufacturing value chain is crucial for realizing our circularity ambitions. Seco has introduced data matrix codes on inserts and round tools to enhance traceability. “Traceability plays a key role in reducing underutilized tool capacity and optimizing tool longevity,” says Malvina Roci. “It enables us and our customers to make informed decisions, such as determining the optimal cutting data or knowing when to recondition tools.”

Driving circularity across the value chain

Seco’s circularity goals are ambitious but necessary to inspire industry transformation. We aim to achieve 90% circularity in products, packaging, and waste by 2030. This involves integrating circular principles into our own operations and working with customers and suppliers to drive industry-wide change.

“Circularity is not just an environmental necessity – it’s a fundamental shift in manufacturing,” says Malvina Roci. “By rethinking how we design, use, and recover materials, we are building a more sustainable future.”