Usage: A Practical Lever to Unlock the Circular Economy

In our first article, Unlocking the Circular Economy Through Use, we shared how our purpose reflects a long-term ambition – and why progressing towards more circular models requires practical, collaborative action. 

One of the most important levers in this journey is usage. 

At BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, our purpose commits us to unlocking the circular economy to sustain the world we share. Turning this ambition into reality requires more than intention. It requires business models that support longer asset lifecycles, improved resource efficiency and responsible end-of-use management. 

This is not simply a change in terminology. Usage transforms how organisations access equipment, manage it over time and create value. It reshapes incentives and responsibilities across the entire asset lifecycle. 

For decades, economic performance was largely built on ownership. In a context of resource constraints, rapid technological change and rising environmental expectations, this model is increasingly under pressure. 

At BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, we advocate a different approach: use better rather than own more. By prioritising performance and longevity over volume, usage-based models help reduce waste and improve asset productivity. 

Usage enables organisations to optimise utilisation, extend lifecycles and limit losses linked to underuse or premature obsolescence. It also supports more flexible solutions that can adapt to evolving operational needs. 

Leasing: A Model Built Around Usage 

By design, leasing and rental solutions are based on access rather than ownership. They enable organisations to benefit from high-performing equipment while integrating a longer-term perspective on maintenance, performance and end-of-use management. 

Within a usage logic, leasing and rental can contribute to circularity in several ways: 

• assets are more systematically monitored and maintained 

• repair, refurbishment and redeployment are facilitated 

• residual value is actively managed across multiple usage cycles 

This structured approach helps preserve asset value while improving environmental performance. According to the European Environment Agency, extending product lifespans is among the most effective levers for reducing environmental impact. 

In this context, leasing can act as a connector between manufacturers, users, service providers and second-life operators – helping to build more integrated lifecycle ecosystems. 

Towards More Advanced Usage-Based Models 

Beyond traditional leasing, more advanced models are emerging, including Product-as-a-Service (PaaS). In these approaches, value is increasingly linked to performance or service outcomes rather than product ownership. 

Such models encourage: 

• more durable and repairable product design 

• optimised maintenance strategies 

• improved end-of-life planning and recovery 

They also require adapted financial, contractual and data frameworks to manage long-term performance and risk. 

While these models are still developing, they illustrate how usage-based approaches can further align economic and environmental objectives.

Progress Through Partnership 

As highlighted in our first article, circularity depends on collective action. 

Progress relies on close collaboration between manufacturers, distributors, service providers, users and recyclers. No single actor can deliver systemic change alone. 

Our role is to help connect these stakeholders, structure sustainable financing solutions and support the maturity of usage-based ecosystems over time. 

By supporting this transition, we help organisations balance operational efficiency, environmental responsibility and long-term value creation. We create the conditions for assets to be used more intensively, maintained more effectively and retained within circular systems for longer. 

Progress remains gradual. Capabilities continue to evolve. But by working step by step with our partners, we are contributing to the long-term maturity of the circular economy – in line with our purpose to sustain the world we share.