Pyramid of Circular Economy by Change Darer

As innovation consultants, we believe that circular business models create value while minimizing ecological and social costs through supply chains, customer relationships, and operating contexts. Governments, industry bodies, and multinational companies are investing in circular initiatives to achieve a circular economy that benefits everyone involved.

Circular business models require companies to take full responsibility for the product lifecycle, including product stewardship to minimize environmental impact, especially at end-of-life. These models also offer profit opportunities through services, remanufacturing, and reselling.

Technological advancements facilitate scalable circular business models, benefiting from streamlined tech services and enabling circularity even in complex economic environments.

Each circular business model aims to eliminate waste, extend material life, reduce natural resource extraction and contribute to nature restoration.

Here are some standout brands at each Hierarchy of Circular Approaches level.

• ?Zero Waste: Patagonia
• Reuse Systems: Grover Tech Gadgets Rental, Loop Reusable Grocery Containers, MUD Jeans Circular Denim Brand, Rent The Runway Fashion Subscription Service
• Repair and Share: iFixit Repair Guides and Tools, Fairphone ?Modular Smartphone Design, IKEA Furniture Buyback and Resale, Too Good To Go Food Waste Reduction, Neighbor Peer-to-Peer Storage and Sharing
• Recapture and Redeploy: Caterpillar Inc. Remanufactured Parts, HP and Xerox Printer Cartridge Recycling, Patagonia Apparel Buyback and Resale, Nike Recycled Shoe Materials, Dell Technologies Electronics Recycling
• Recycle and Upcycle: adidas Upcycled Plastic Shoes, EILEEN FISHER, INC. Upcycled Fashion, TerraCycle Recycling Difficult Materials, Precious Plastic DIY Plastic Recycling, Upcycle Studio Upcycled Home Goods, The Ocean Cleanup Upcycled Ocean Plastic, Repurpose, Inc. Compostable Tableware
• Safely Dispose: Plastic Bank Plastic Waste Collection, NatureWorks Nature-Inspired Materials, The Ocean Cleanup, Nike

How will you rethink your business model inspired by the circular economy pyramid?