Circularity Toolkit

The Sustainable Growth Coalition operates with the shared understanding that a circular economy is a thriving economic system that values and preserves all types of capital: financial, natural, manufactured, human, and social. In this system nothing is lost or wasted, and all resources and talents are utilized to their highest potential.

In a circular economy, inputs such as natural resources, goods, and services are used in a cyclical fashion to continue serving our social, environmental, and economic needs. A circular economy cannot be achieved without systems change—reinforcing the connectedness of people, nature, business, and communities. A broad view of a systems acknowledges that relationships and power structures influence the complex steps leading to transformational outcomes.

Well-known levers of change that result in scaling-up toward transformational change include demonstrating scale and viability of the market and enabling market acceleration.

Result

The Circularity Toolkit offers examples of multi-national corporations investing in circularity with global implications. Other examples are shared by small-to-medium-sized businesses actively integrating circular principles to meet regional needs. The organizational representatives highlighted in the case studies are thought leaders in sustainability. The result of a circular economy is a continuous positive development cycle that decouples economic growth from resource constraints.

Process

The case studies in the Circularity Toolkit highlight successful organizations which understand that no problem is isolated, comprehensive solutions mitigate risks, and action builds more resilient economies.

Business Values of a Circular Economy

• Reduce operational and supply chain costs and risks.
• Create new business models, products, and services.
• Meet demand from customers, investors, and employees.
• Drive economic growth and regional prosperity.
• Develop, attract, and retain talent.
• Address systemic issues impacting business including equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Improve racial, economic, social, and public health outcomes.