We supported Lufthansa Technik (LHT), a global leader in aviation maintenance and innovation, in identifying circular product opportunities and developing a circular product concept and roadmap.
The Challenge
While cabin equipment has traditionally prioritized safety and durability, LHT recognized that the future of aviation interiors lies in circularity. With aircraft cabins undergoing regular refurbishments, significant material flows through the industry presented an untapped opportunity for innovation and sustainability leadership.
In collaboration with Indeed Innovation, we’ve reimagined design responsibility through lifecycle analysis, take-back systems, and systemic change. GuideU Circular Journey is our lighthouse project, a bold, practical response to an industry ready for change but in need of proof.
Christopher Bellieno, Deputy Director Aircraft Components
GuideU, LHT’s emergency floor path marking system, has been ensuring passenger safety for three decades, guiding passengers to exits during emergencies. However, the complexity of aviation logistics, global distribution networks, and diverse ownership structures (including leased aircraft and multiple operators) can make implementing circularity particularly challenging.
While traditional product lifecycles follow a take-make-waste model, LHT chose to break the mold by embracing a circular economy approach that goes beyond conventional eco-design practices – driven by the ambition to significantly reduce environmental footprint, extend the lifespan of materials, conserve natural resources, and minimize waste across the product lifecycle.
Our Approach
We initiated a comprehensive circular business innovation journey with LHT:
1. Product Assessment & Metrics Alignment
We evaluated existing products to establish a baseline for sustainability improvements and identify opportunities for circular innovation.
2. Value Chain & Emissions Analysis
Through detailed value chain analysis, we assessed circularity feasibility across different operational boundaries.
3. Opportunities & Call to Action
We identified strategic opportunities for implementing circularity – from design innovations to reverse logistics. The opportunities were translated into calls to action, including technical adaptations and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
4. Stakeholder Workshop
We facilitated workshops with key stakeholders to align on the circular vision and gather essential input for implementation.
5. Systemic Innovation Workshop
In cross-functional co-design sprints, we collaborated with engineers, procurement, and sales teams to develop concepts.
6. Sustainability Roadmap
The final output was a strategic roadmap detailing the implementation of circular concepts, outlining key decision points and stakeholder roles.
Results & Impact
Circular-Ready Product Concept
The redesigned system features an innovative design prepared for circular use without compromising traditional functionality. The solution enables new possibilities during cabin refurbishments while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.
Strategic Roadmap
We delivered a comprehensive implementation roadmap for aligning stakeholders across the complex aviation value chain and guiding execution through clearly defined phases.
Requirement Draft
The co-design sprints resulted in detailed technical requirements for circular products, establishing guidelines that can be applied across product lines.
From Concept to Award-Winning Reality
The strategic foundation laid in this project enabled LHT to develop a physical prototype of the circular-ready product concept, which was showcased at the Aircraft Interiors Expo and subsequently won the prestigious Red Dot Design Award 2025 – validating both the technical innovation and market appeal of circular design in aviation.
This project represents product innovation; but also demonstrates a systems-level transformation that considers every stage of the value chain. By implementing true circular principles, going beyond impact reduction to actively avoid emissions and waste, we’re setting a new standard with the client. LHT’s unwavering commitment to push boundaries and challenge industry conventions made this breakthrough possible.
Heiko Tullney, Executive Director INDEED Innovation
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