10054949Library of Things: the Circular Economy Operating System (‘CE-OS’) for zero waste retailClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKIn the face of rising living costs, struggling high streets and the climate and ecological emergencies, Library of Things (LoT) is seeking funding to develop a game-changing new model for zero waste retail with its 'Circular Economy Operating System (CE-OS)'. Imagine walking into your local shopping centre and renting everything you need -- clothes, baby equipment, tools, sports/entertainment products... Previously the home of wasteful consumerism, retail centres are transformed into circular reuse and repair hubs -- providing affordable, accessible, zero waste services all under one roof. LoT is an award-winning social enterprise on a mission to make borrowing better than buying for people and planet. LoT makes it easy and affordable to rent useful items, like drills, sewing machines and carpet cleaners from lockers inside local spaces, and connect with neighbours to share practical skills. Active across 10+ London neighbourhoods, LoT's community item rental service has attracted global news coverage and helped spark a grassroots movement of sharing libraries around the world. Now, major brands and retailers want to license LoT's innovation -- to deliver environmental targets, innovate business models and respond to shifts in consumer demand for affordable, zero-waste living. With Smart Funding, LoT's experienced in-house developers will build the world's first CE-OS -- creating custom-built technology, an integrated 'circular operating model' and a business licensing offer to enable any retailer to incorporate rental into everyday shopping experiences. The women-led team has already secured its first major retail customer and a pipeline of 50+ UK/ European businesses interested in licensing the CE-OS following the project. This is expected to unlock a target market in UK/ Europe worth £60m+ by 2030 -- creating an affordable alternative to buying for 10 million people, sparing 50,000+ tonnes of waste annually, enabling new circular jobs and skills, and revitalising retail around the world.