The construction industry has a significant impact on the environmental footprint of the building sector through its use of resources and the emissions it generates. Take-back systems can help to reduce primary resource consumption and emissions by creating a broader take-back network and enabling higher substitution rates through reuse and high-quality recycling. The first pioneering companies have already introduced such systems. Existing take-back systems can be divided into internal company systems, systems within associations and take-back via drill providers. However, for many companies it is unclear which system is economically and ecologically worthwhile and what the path from idea to implementation looks like. The company structure and product characteristics influence which models are suitable for a company. The project analyses existing take-back systems using relevant parameters (literature research), characterises companies and their products using specific criteria, and uses these to model interactions (synthesis).

Through interviews with manufacturing companies, the model is further refined (validation) in order to highlight optimal combinations of systems and producers. The results are transferred to a web tool that is published on the WWF website and is freely accessible.

The target group includes players in the construction industry, associations, planners and local authorities involved in take-back systems and the reuse of construction products. The characterisation of various take-back models and findings from a company and association perspective contribute to the scientific discussion. Knowledge is transferred via industry events and technical and scientific publications.