Patrick Hypscher on Five Elements Every Organization Needs to Succeed in the Circular Economy

Take a walk in nature and identify three ways in which the animals and plants you see form the basis for the business you run. Do that every week in different locations.

1. Why does the topic of the circular economy have to be on the agenda of every company? Why is it worthwhile? 

On a planet with limited resources and ever more ambitious sustainable regulation, steps towards circular economy secure the competitiveness of every company. Whether one likes it or not, it will be essential for future commercial success.

2. What are the biggest challenges?

Today’s success is the enemy of change. Managers stick to what works today and lack imagination on how the market environment can look in five to ten years. If companies start to accept the fact that every company process relies on healthy nature and just society, they will see new opportunities to improve the quality of life.

3. How would you convince people who are still critical towards the topic?

I’d rather spend time with the people who see the opportunity and will ultimately outperform the critics, both environmentally and economically. 

4. A thought-leader, book, or podcast you would recommend?

Take a walk in nature and identify three ways in which the animals and plants you see form the basis for the business you run. Do that every week in different locations.

5. What are the key requirements for the circular economy to succeed and eventually become standard?

Every organization needs five elements: (1) Commitment by shareholders and top management to value planet as much as profit, (2) giving all motivated employees a way to contribute and learn, (3) having a vision of how the circular organization will look like in ten years (4) embracing uncertainty, making incremental change, and receiving frequent feedback, and (5) starting to listen to the planet as intense as you listen to your customers.