Mercari Experiments is an experimental framework for designing and developing a pathway for a circular economy model.
Mercari’s mission is to create value in a global marketplace where anyone can buy & sell. By doing so, Mercari aims to create a circular economy in which items that are still of use can be passed on to the hands of those who need them, in the amount needed.
As part of this project, we conduct a variety of experiments related to the circular use of materials with the purpose of creating opportunities to learn and reflect on ways to realize a more sustainable life in which the earth’s limited resources are used effectively.
Optimizing the value chain from production to sales in primary distribution, optimizing demand estimation and production planning, and promoting product design and planning based on the principle of circulation
To what scale can Mercari estimate demand and production for the primary distribution market by utilizing data from the secondary distribution market?
Can products that are designed to circulate revitalize the entire economy including the primary distribution market?
What would be the value and business model required to enable manufacturers to continue sustainable production in a circular economy?
What would be a long-life design used and circulated across generations?
What would be after-sales services (warranty and repair services) for primary market distribution look like based on a circular economy model?
Fostering a new culture of consumption designing waste out of the system, and switching to a model that includes positive attitudes toward reusing, repairing, and upcycling
Can we create an ecosystem in which remaking and upcycling items is more accessible?
Can the value of waste materials and unwanted goods be revitalized through creativity?
What does a new lifestyle based on reusing and remaking look like?
What is the ideal way of things in a circular economy, beyond the classification of items as new, used, or B-grade?
Will visualizing the positive environmental impact of reusing help to change people’s attitude and mentality toward consumption and reuse of items?
What is necessary to make reuse of packaging materials the new standard?
How can we educate new generations about the circular economy?
Realizing sustainable shipping in a circular economy-oriented society where products and materials keep circulating
What is a new way of shipping and receiving packages without time and place restraints?
What are environmentally-friendly shipping materials that are durable and resistant?
Waste reduction
How can we create a new option that prevents leftover stock of goods from going to waste?
How can we make recycling more accessible and familiar to all?
Creating value in a global marketplace where anyone can buy & sell