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KEY CONCEPTS ABOUT CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Planetary Boundaries
Planetary Boundaries
Planetary Boundaries
The Planetary Boundaries framework, introduced by scientists at the Stockholm Resilience Centre in 2009, identifies nine critical Earth system processes that regulate the stability and resilience of the planet. Crossing these boundaries increases the risk of destabilizing the Earth’s systems, potentially leading to catastrophic environmental change.
Doughnut Economy
Planetary Boundaries
Planetary Boundaries
By leveraging the principles of the Doughnut Economy, this project explores the potential of transforming waste materials into viable business opportunities or products. The goal is to identify and develop innovative solutions that convert waste into valuable products while ensuring financial, environmental, and social sustainability.
Circular Loops
Planetary Boundaries
Circular Loops
Minimizing waste and maximizes resource efficiency by keeping products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair, remanufacturing, and recycling by designing out waste and pollution, promoting sustainable production and consumption. Key angles are to Reuse & Redistribute, Repair, Refurbish, or Remanufacture products.
TARGETING THE OPPORTUNITIES
Explore Alternatives Materials or Usages
You might have already identified what will be your source materials to transform and build your end products. Or you're just starting to explore waste materials or end usages needed to solve the problem your project will address. That's why we built the Free Circular Symbiosis Map.
Assess Waste Streams & Resource Inefficiencies
- Conduct a waste audit to identify materials that are underutilized, discarded, or lost in the supply chain.
- Analyze resource inefficiencies in production, packaging, or logistics that could be optimized for circularity.
- Identify high-impact sectors (e.g., food waste, textile recycling, construction materials) with significant circular potential.
Explore Circular Business Models
Research and evaluate circular economy business models, such as:
- Product-as-a-Service (leasing or sharing instead of selling).
- Upcycling & Remanufacturing (giving waste materials a second life).
- Material Recovery & Recycling (closing the loop on resource use).
- Reverse Logistics & Take-Back Systems (designing for reusability and collection).
- Consider the feasibility and market demand for each model within your target industry.
Circular Economy Symbiosis Map
Your Free Highway For Ideas Exploration
In 2024 we launched the level 1 of our Circular Economy platform to make circular business innovations more accessible and less risky. We hope you can enjoy using this publicly free access Symbiosis map to spark genius ideas, bring it to your drawing board and contribute to the real beneficial impacts of businesses to a sustainable future!
BUILDING THE SCENARIOS
Project Feasibility, Market & Stakeholder Interest
Is the project feasible, what processing steps are required, how does your project compare with other initiatives? Not all projects aim at commercialization, but in cases where this is the goal, we'll need to take a closer look at the right scenarios by:
- Conducting market research to assess demand, competition, and consumer interest in circular solutions.
- Engaging with key stakeholders (e.g., businesses, policymakers, and consumers) to gauge their willingness to adopt circular products or services.
- Developing pilot initiatives to test the business model, gather feedback, and refine the approach before full-scale implementation.
Define the Scope & Objectives
- Identify the specific waste stream or material flow to focus on.
- Set clear goals, such as waste reduction, material reuse, or resource efficiency.
- Determine the key stakeholders (e.g., businesses, local communities, policymakers).
- Conduct a baseline assessment to understand the current waste generation and processing methods.
Develop & Test the Circular Solution
- Design and implement a prototype or pilot initiative (e.g., material collection, repurposing, or remanufacturing).
- Partner with **local businesses, innovators, or research
MAKING IT HAPPEN
Optimize & Improve
After the pilot phase, analyze the results to identify areas for refinement. This includes:
- Evaluating data on material recovery rates, cost savings, and environmental impact.
- Improving circular loops by enhancing material collection, redesigning products for better reuse, or identifying new applications for recovered materials.
- Leveraging technology such as IoT, AI, and blockchain to track material flows, reduce inefficiencies, and improve transparency in circular processes.
Build Partnerships & Secure Funding
A successful circular economy project requires strong stakeholder collaboration and financial backing.
- Expand engagement with governments, businesses, NGOs, and academic institutions to gain industry buy-in.
- Seek funding opportunities through grants, impact investors, corporate partnerships, or revenue models like upcycled product sales.
- Advocate for policy changes that support circular initiatives, such as tax incentives for sustainable businesses, regulatory frameworks for extended producer responsibility (EPR), or waste reduction mandates.
Expand & Replicate
Once optimized and well-supported, the model can be scaled for broader impact.
- Expand the initiative to new geographic regions, industries, or different waste streams.
- Integrate into business supply chains by working with manufacturers and retailers to adopt circular principles in sourcing, production, and logistics.
- Raise awareness & educate stakeholders by sharing success stories, conducting training programs, and fostering a culture of circular innovation.
Our Partners
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YOUR CIRCULAR ECONOMY CONSULTANTS
Marc-André Bélisle
Marc-André Bélisle
Marc-André Bélisle
Ana Maria Botero
Marc-André Bélisle
Marc-André Bélisle
Certified Circular Alliance expert