The CEDaCI project developed eco-design guidelines, strategies for extending product lifespan, and digital tools to enhance circularity in the data center industry — thereby laying the foundation for the implementation of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan in digital infrastructure.

This research paper presents the CEDaCI project's systemic approach to circular economy in the data center industry. The project delivered practical outcomes that operators and policymakers can apply directly.

The paper includes:

• Eco-design Guidelines: Tailored guidelines for developing data center equipment with a focus on circularity — to extend product lifespan, improve reparability, and facilitate material recovery.

• Lifespan Extension Strategies: Approaches to extend the operational lifespan of IT hardware through refurbishment, reuse, and component recovery.

• Digital Tools: Decision-support tools that enable better decisions on when to repair, refurbish, or recycle equipment.

• Policy Alignment: How these outcomes prepare the data center industry for the EU Circular Economy Action Plan and support secure, sustainable raw material supply chains.

The full research paper is available for download.