What is circularity
What Circularity Really Means for Business:
It's Not Just About Waste
If you think circularity is about recycling and reducing waste – you’re missing the bigger picture.
Circularity is about unlocking hidden value, reducing risk, and building future-ready business models that thrive in a resource-constrained world.
So, What is Circularity?
to regenerative, profitable systems that maximize value at every stage.
Think about it:
How much value is your procurement team throwing away?
Materials that could be reused, repurposed, or monetised.
Are you paying to dispose of assets that could generate recurring revenue?
Instead of selling products once, could they become a service?
How exposed is your business to supply chain disruptions?
Circular strategies make companies more resilient by reducing reliance on virgin materials and single-source suppliers.
How future-proof is your business model?
Regulatory pressure, shifting customer expectations, and rising costs mean that businesses who fail to adapt will be left behind.
Circularity is a Business Strategy, Not Just Sustainability
Leading global businesses are already shifting towards circular business models because they recognize that circularity is a competitive advantage, not a compliance exercise.
Key Business Benefits of Circularity:
Lower Costs
Reduce material, energy, and disposal expenses.
Recurring Revenue
Shift from one-off sales to subscriptionor service-based models.
Supply Chain Resilience
Reduce reliance on volatile raw materials.
Unlock New Value Streams
Turn byproducts and inefficiencies into profit
Risk Mitigation
Stay ahead of regulations, carbon pricing, and ESG requirements.
Stronger Market Position
Customers, investors, and talent increasingly prefer businesses with circular strategies.
Key Questions: Are You Ready for Circularity?
If you’re not thinking about circularity, you’re already falling behind.
01
Do we really understand our value chain? Where are we losing value through waste, inefficiencies, or underutilised resources?
02
Are we paying too much for raw materials while sending valuable resources to waste?
03
Could we create new revenue streams by repurposing byproducts, materials, or waste?
04
Are we at risk of regulatory penalties for not aligning with upcoming circular economy policies?
05
Do our customers and investors demand more than net-zero claims? Are we missing opportunities by not acting on circularity?
06
Are our supply chains resilient to price volatility, resource scarcity, and tightening environmental regulations?
07
Are we missing out on cost savings and efficiencies by sticking to linear models instead of closing the loop?
08
Are we innovating fast enough to remain competitive in a market shifting towards circular business models?
09
Do we have the right metrics and reporting frameworks to measure circularity beyond just carbon emissions?
If you’re unsure about any of these, it’s time to take action – circularity isn’t just about sustainability, it’s about future-proofing your business.
The Six Principles of Circular Economy
outlines six core principles that define a truly circular economy.
1 Systems Thinking
Circularity isn’ust about products or waste – it’s about the entire system.
Understand how materials, processes, and supply chains are interconnected.
Identify inefficiencies, risks, and opportunities across the entire value network.
Example: A mining company reduced operational risks by repurposing byproducts into secondary markets, reducing disposal costs and creating new revenue streams.
2 Value Optimisation
Value
3 Resource Efficiency
Resource
4 Safe & Sustainable Materials
Safe
5 Business Model Innovation
Business
6 Collaboration & Transparency
Collaboration
Why This Matters Now:
The Business Risks of Ignoring Circularity
Higher Costs
Rising material prices, energy costs, and waste disposal fees are eating into margins.
Regulatory Crackdowns
Carbon pricing, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and reporting mandates are increasing.
Lost Market Share
Customers are choosing brands with strong sustainability credentials.
Investor Pressure
ESG performance is now a major factor in investment decisions.
Businesses that don’t integrate circular strategies now will be less competitive, more vulnerable,
and less profitable in the years to come.
So, Where Do You Start?
Most businesses already have circularity opportunities – hey just don’t see them yet.
We help you uncover value, build resilience, and future-proof your business models with practical, profit-driven circular strategies.