Circular Economy Startups: Reimagining the Future of Cities

"The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it." – Robert Swan

Circular Economy Startups: Tackling Urban Challenges

As cities continue to grow, they face significant environmental hurdles: mountains of waste, rising emissions, and the depletion of natural resources. Circular economy startups are stepping up to offer innovative solutions, reimagining how urban environments can function sustainably. These startups are key players in turning challenges into opportunities, using technology to reshape cities into resource-efficient hubs.

For example, Qarnot Computing, a French startup, uses the heat generated by data centres to warm residential buildings. This innovative solution reduces energy consumption and addresses growing urban energy demands (Qarnot Computing ). Such solutions show the potential of circular economy startups in reshaping urban landscapes.

What You’ll Learn Today

In this edition, we’ll explore how circular startups across Europe are transforming urban environments. You’ll discover real-world success stories and understand how technology is powering this transformation. Finally, we’ll take a closer look at how Swappsi’s expertise in custom software, blockchain, and AI is supporting this movement toward a circular future.

Missed Our Last Edition?

Previously, we discussed Civic Tech Startups and their role in transforming urban governance and sustainability. These companies are using technology to improve infrastructure and public services. If you missed that edition, catch up here .

Circular Startups as Urban Innovators

Urban areas are responsible for 75% of natural resource consumption and produce 70% of global waste (European Commission ). Circular startups are at the forefront of reversing these trends by embracing principles of reuse, recycling, and sustainable consumption.

Kaffeeform, a Berlin-based company, turns used coffee grounds into reusable cups and tableware. By doing so, they reduce resource consumption while demonstrating the potential of circular solutions to transform everyday waste into valuable products (Kaffeeform ). These startups highlight the power of innovation in addressing urban challenges and the scalability of circular solutions.

Fun Fact:

The circular economy could generate €1.8 trillion in annual benefits for Europe by 2030 (Ellen MacArthur Foundation ).

European Success Stories: Leading the Way in Circularity

Across Europe, circular economy startups are showing how innovation can create real change, transforming the way cities and businesses manage resources.

ReLondon

In London, ReLondon is driving change by helping over 300 companies adopt circular practices, significantly reducing the city’s waste footprint (ReLondon ). Through partnerships with local businesses, ReLondon provides the tools and knowledge to reduce waste, create sustainable supply chains, and promote reuse. Their work is a prime example of how large-scale public-private collaborations can reshape urban systems.

Excess Materials Exchange (EME)

In the Netherlands, EME is using blockchain to create a digital marketplace where companies can trade excess materials instead of sending them to waste. By facilitating the reuse of materials across industries, EME is reducing resource depletion and promoting sustainability in business operations (EME ).

These startups exemplify how circular principles are being successfully applied across Europe, demonstrating the power of innovation and collaboration in creating a sustainable future.

Fun Fact:

Europe recycles only 12% of its resources today, but circular solutions have the potential to significantly raise that percentage (Eurostat ).

Partnering with Cities for a Circular Future

Circular startups and cities are natural partners. Startups bring innovation and agility, while cities provide the scale and infrastructure to implement these solutions. Amsterdam, for example, has committed to becoming fully circular by 2050, achieving a 65% waste recycling rate through collaborations with startups (Circle Economy ).

Blockchain is a key enabler in these partnerships, allowing startups to track materials through their entire lifecycle, ensuring transparency and accountability. This technology is crucial in fostering trust and scaling circular solutions.

Swappsi’s Role in Enabling Circularity

At Swappsi, we recognise the challenges faced by startups and cities as they transition to a circular economy. Having started small ourselves, we understand the importance of technology in scaling these efforts. Today, we support businesses and governments with:

1. Custom Software Solutions – Our software helps businesses and cities monitor resources in real-time, optimising material use and reducing waste.
2. Blockchain Integration – We develop blockchain platforms that ensure transparency and accountability, making circular processes more reliable and secure.
3. AI-Driven Optimisation – Our AI tools enable companies to predict resource demand, optimise waste flows, and integrate circular practices into city infrastructure planning.

Swappsi’s technologies empower startups and cities to scale their efforts, driving measurable improvements in urban sustainability.

What’s Next?

Circular economy startups are leading the charge in transforming cities into sustainable, resource-efficient hubs. They’re proving that waste can be turned into opportunity and that cities can evolve into circular ecosystems. But achieving this transformation depends on collaboration between startups, cities, and technology partners like Swappsi.

At Swappsi, we’re proud to be part of this journey. Our expertise in custom software, blockchain, and AI is helping businesses and cities adopt and scale circular practices. The future of urban environments is circular, and together, we can make that future a reality.