Designing for durability: Why circularity is key to the industrial equipment of the future

Circularity is no longer a niche concept in industrial engineering. It's a widely accepted necessity. Without clear guidance, industries risk buckling under the pressures of global population growth, climate change, and resource scarcity. This is where circularity comes in, offering both environmental and economic returns. It's a shift from “take, make, dispose” to designing products for durability and efficiency.

07/07/2025 10:52:27

One area where the principles of circularity are making a tangible impact is in motor control technology, particularly through the use of variable-speed drives. A drive is a device that regulates the speed and torque of an electric motor by adjusting the electrical power it receives, much like a car’s gearbox controls engine performance.

Speed-controlled drives dramatically improve motor efficiency, cutting electricity use by as much as 25 to 70 percent depending on the application. This places them at the centre of the transition towards green electrification. Efforts to advance product circularity focus on maximising component lifespans and reducing waste from the outset.

Read the full article in DPA's July 2025 issue