1. Why this topic belongs on the agenda of every company. Or to put it another way: Why is it worth it?
There are many arguments for the circular economy. Here is just one: In order to produce a product, a company must take resources from the earth. In most cases, it will probably purchase it from a supplier. If a company can reuse those resources, instead of ordering new materials again it can save money. (The saving occurs if there is an infrastructure in place that brings used products back.) For future generations, resources are preserved, and the environmental impact is reduced. Everybody wins.
2. What are the biggest challenges?
The biggest challenge is our mindset. We need to value resources again and see the work that went into their creation. We also tend to think in the short term, only about tomorrow's advantage and not about the many disadvantages these solutions may bring the day after tomorrow, which compound like dominoes falling one on top of another. We need big-picture thinking and a collaboration of different stakeholders from different sectors. During the transition to a circular economy there will be losers, as in any major change. The timely recognition of their challenges is also important because, the sooner they are picked up, the less they will resist the circular transition.
3. How do you convince people who are still critical of the issue?
Resource scarcity and climate change are real threats to economic progress and are more palpable this year than ever before.
4. A thought leader or book/podcast to know about?
Books by Professor Walter Stahel
Dame Ellen MacArthur and her foundation
Confessions of a Radical Industrialist by Ray Anderson.
systems thinking must be applied, because it helps us understand how to build an infrastructure
5. What are the key requirements for it to succeed and eventually become the standard?
Making a product more circular without the option of getting it back does not help, as these goods will be thrown away just like before. As mentioned before, systems thinking must be applied, because it helps us understand how to build an infrastructure. Plus, the education needs to become more interdisciplinary. Last but not least, it has to question some of the existing beliefs. The financial world is still watching and shying away from risks. Financing from the government and the private sector is required.
CIRCULAZE, an initiative launched by business network CURAZE, connects pioneers in sustainable business management in Germany and thought leaders to form a network together with the most relevant start- and scale-ups in the field of Circular Economy.
The goal of the community is to establish a powerful ecosystem, to exchange good practices, and inspire each other on the path to an even more sustainable company.
Interested in doing more to promote the Circular Economy and to make it a part of your everyday business? Then consider joining CIRCULAZE.
CIRCULAZE is made possible with the friendly support of our amazing partners: DB Cargo, DATEV, 4PCapital, hemmersbach, VP Group, ODDO BHF, DEFACTO, Rödl & Partner, Jack Wolfskin, Beiersdorf, Messe München, and foodaffairs.
