Here's how it works:
1) Each item has a unique serial number, and a database for storing maintenance records about the item.
2) When the item is going to be resold, third parties including the original manufacturer sell warranties on the item to protect the new owner. A manufacturer would inspect, refurb, and re-warranty on each iteration.
3) The new buyer pays more for the item, and the warranties on top of that, because they're getting goods closer to new goods in performance.
4) The manufacturers are profiting every time the goods are resold, possibly as much or more than selling a new one.
We think this model of the circular economy is a lot more likely to succeed than the current model which involves ripping things down to their raw materials then reusing those materials to manufacture new things.
https://mattereum.com/circular-economy/ <--- more here