We design products that support a circular economy
HAGS products support Circular Design Principles by emphasizing flexibility and modularity. Our playgrounds are designed for easy repair, refurbishment, and replacement of components, extending their lifespan and reducing waste. This approach minimizes resource use and environmental impact, ensuring sustainability. By prioritizing adaptability and longevity, our products foster a circular economy, promoting responsible use of materials and contributing to a more sustainable future for communities.
- Flexible and modular design
- Sustainable
- Carefully selected materials
- Packaging materials consisting largely of recycled material
Contributing to these global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
10. Reduced inequalities
11. Sustainable cities and communities
12. Responsible consumption and production
HAGS Long term goals for products
Achieve a 20-30% improvement in paint resource efficiency by 2034, significantly reducing waste through advanced paint technologies, process automation, and full integration of the Colour Policy, promoting a more sustainable and standardised colour offering across product lines.
(ESG: Environment, ESRS: E5 Resource Use and Circular Economy)
Expand EU Ecolabel certification to 500 products by 2034, integrating ecolabelling as a standard across the product portfolio. This will support continuous sustainability improvements, align with evolving regulatory and market expectations, and enhance appeal in environmentally conscious procurement processes.
(ESG: Environment, ESRS: E5 Resource Use and Circular Economy)
Expand LCA and Carbon Footprint reporting to all products by 2034, making environmental performance data a standard across the entire portfolio. This will drive product innovation, support CSRD compliance, and reinforce HAGS’ commitment to full sustainability transparency.
(ESG: Environment, ESRS: E5 Resource Use and Circular Economy)
HAGS Short term goals for products
Improve resource efficiency by 5% by the end of 2025 in the use of powder and water-based "Customer Special" paints, by reducing paint waste through enhanced application processes, batch optimisation, staff training, and the implementation of a Colour Policy to streamline colour selections and reduce low-frequency custom orders.
(ESG: Environment, ESRS: E5 Resource Use and Circular Economy)
Obtain the EU Ecolabel certification for a defined set of 100 products by the end of 2025, focusing on meeting environmental performance criteria and enhancing product transparency.
(ESG: Environment, ESRS: E5 Resource Use and Circular Economy)
Conduct and publish Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Carbon Footprint data for a defined set of 100 products by the end of 2025, providing transparent environmental impact data to support sustainable decision-making and meet customer and regulatory expectations.
(ESG: Environment, ESRS: E5 Resource Use and Circular Economy)
Current sustainability actions for our products
Implement policies to guide and standardise customisation and Colour options across products.
How we support a circular economy
Flexible and modular design
Our products are built with modular parts that can be replaced, upgraded, or reconfigured easily. This flexibility extends the life of our equipment and reduces the need for full replacements.
Sustainable and long lasting
We design products to stand the test of time. Durable materials, smart engineering, and easy maintenance mean fewer replacements, less waste, and a reduced environmental footprint.
Carefully selected materials
We choose materials that are responsibly sourced, recyclable, and safe for people and the environment. Every material is selected to support a longer product life and lower environmental impact.
Using largely recycled packaging materials
We package our products using materials with a high recycled content. Our packaging is designed to be easily recycled after use, helping to reduce waste and promote circular practices.
Materials
We prioritize materials that not only reduce our environmental footprint but also empower customers to opt for more sustainable choices.
Grounded in Nordic design, our carefully selected materials include wood, steel (averaging 69% recycled), and HPL—a blend of 70% cellulose and 30% resins. Nordic Pine, sourced responsibly from Scandinavian forests, is certified by FSC or PEFC, ensuring slow growth for compact quality.
Click on the link to read more about all the materials we use in our production.
More about our materials
Flexible & modular design
With flexible and/or modular design, you can easily source the sorting of different components at the end of their life and simply replace a component instead of buying a brand new product.
Our play systems Uniplay and UniMini are completely modular and the components can be easily taken apart and recycled. It is also easy to move and/or replace parts that have been used a little more, so that the life of the play structure is extended for even more years.
In this way, the need for newly produced, as well as new/virgin material, is reduced.
The Power of Repair, Replacement and Refurbishment
For over seven decades, we have focused on designing flexible and modular playgrounds with a strong emphasis on circular design. Modular designs provide cost benefits by allowing easy repairs and refurbishments, reducing the need for complete replacements. This approach not only extends the lifespan of playgrounds, enhancing their sustainability but also offers flexibility and adaptability. By minimizing waste and resource use, our modular playgrounds revolutionize maintenance and longevity, contributing to a more sustainable and economical solution for communities.
You can view the Maintenance Guides on our Brochures page to help prolong the life of your product. They are also available as downloads on all product pages.
Inspirational revitalisation projects
Our modular product design of UniPlay and UniMini makes maintenance, repair, and refurbishment simple. Interchangeable parts allow worn components to be easily replaced or updated, extending the life of the product and reducing waste. This flexible approach supports a circular economy and keeps outdoor spaces looking great for years to come.
Refurbishment example from Aneby Square, Sweden, revitilized in 2025.
Explore the full Case Study for more details here.
Other examples of refurbishment projects
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The 7 Rs of Sustainability
A step-by-step approach to creating smarter, more responsible products.
At HAGS, we use the 7 Rs as a practical guide to reduce our environmental impact - one decision, one product, and one step at a time.
1. Rethink
We regularly reflect on how our business impacts the planet. From product design to manufacturing, every step is re-evaluated to ensure we’re building a better future through smarter, more sustainable decisions.
2. Refuse
We say no to wasteful and harmful practices. Our investments focus on long-term value, for people and the planet.
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No to excess materials.
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No to substances that harm people or the environment.
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No to short-lived products.
3. Reduce
We use materials efficiently and manufacture smartly. By optimizing product design, size, and energy use, we minimize waste without compromising on safety or quality.
4. Reuse
Our modular systems make it easy to replace, upgrade, or reconfigure components—extending product life and reducing waste. Even removed parts can be repurposed for new functions.
5. Repair
We help customers extend product life through guides, advice, and repainting options. In the UK, our team supports customers in refreshing their HAGS products to keep them looking and performing their best.
6. Recover
We design for end-of-life recovery. Many of our materials - especially wood and plastic - can be disassembled and sent to energy recovery, reducing landfill waste.
7. Recycle
We use recyclable materials and include recycled content in our designs. We continue developing projects to reduce the need for virgin materials as new sustainable options become available.
Planning a sustainable outdoor area?
1. Free design consultation
Our free design consultation service offers personalised guidance tailored to your specific needs and preferences, ensuring that every aspect of your project is considered before implementation.
2. Turning your design into reality
We specialise in transforming your digital design concepts into tangible realities, leveraging cutting-edge technology and expert craftsmanship to bring your vision to life with precision and finesse.
3. Step by step support
With step-by-step support, we accompany you through every stage of the design process, providing guidance, feedback, and assistance to ensure a smooth and successful execution of your project from start to finish.
