Circular Economy Strategy Guide

The circular economy fundamentally challenges the logic of the linear economic model, and therefore represents a major transition for companies. The transformation into a circular business can be approached in many different ways, though not all are equally effective. Companies often face the challenge of knowing how to get started with the circular economy.

The new guide therefore serves as a practical tool for developing a circular economy strategy in companies and walks you through the three phases: “Assessing the status quo,” “Strategic alignment and goal setting,” and “Implementation and embedment.” Each phase includes clear, actionable steps companies can take.

In addition, the guide offers a brief introduction to the circular economy, an overview of relevant policy frameworks at the national and European levels, and information on external support services available to businesses.

The guide is aimed at developing a holistic circular economy strategy that primarily contributes to the conservation of global and local environmental assets. A critical first step is the precise assessment of the significant impacts of a company’s activities. Only by doing so can circular principles be implemented in those business areas where there is the most urgent need for action to reduce the company’s environmental impacts across various categories.

To assess the status quo, the guide walks companies through:

• A corporate environmental analysis,
• value chain and stakeholder mapping, and
• an analysis of material impacts, opportunities, and risks.

Based on the results of the status quo assessment, priority areas for action are identified—areas where circular economy measures should be applied and can have the greatest impact.

In the subsequent strategic alignment phase, the focus remains on impact-orientation. This includes:

• the formulation of a vision and mission to define the company’s overarching position,
• the identification of circular economy approaches for the prioritized action areas, and
• the translation of these approaches into specific goals.

Impact is integrated throughout the planning process rather than being measured retrospectively. To support this, the guide employs the IOOI methodology (Input – Output – Outcome – Impact).

 In addition to strategy development—which is the main focus of the guide—the final section outlines pathways for practical implementation. These address:

• the planning of implementation measures,
• economic viability, resource and time planning, and the development of a roadmap, and
• the establishment of a governance structure at the organizational level, which includes not only implementation but also monitoring and evaluation.

Throughout the guide, numerous real-world circular economy examples are presented. In addition, the individual steps of strategy development are illustrated using a fictional company to ensure practical applicability.

Feel free to reach out to us if you are interested in our work or would like advice on circular economy-related topics.