Circularly undertaking, what does this mean for your organisation?

Linear thinking models often determine the business models of entrepreneurs. We produce products that are made in such a way that they have to be replaced in a few years. This is a business model that earns a lot of money. The faster consumers have to replace their products, the greater the economic growth. The disadvantage of this is that the raw materials once run out and we deplete the earth. The counterpart of linear business is circular business. This way of doing business is about reusing raw materials and extending the life of products and processes.

Does circularly undertaking suit your organisation?

It sounds good, "My organisation is circularly", but does circularly undertaking fit in with your organisation? Investigate and see what the switch to circularity does for your organisation. How can you implement the principles of circularity in current production and business processes? For example, the reduction of excessive use of raw materials, the possibility of product leasing or to repair the product. Establish whether a revenue model can ben linked to this and write a plan of action.

Are you willing to show leadership?

The transition to circularity is a process that must be supported by the entire organisation. As the management, ask yourself who inspires the team of employees to implement the plan of action. Don't leave it at a plan, but show leadership in the field of circularity. Do you involve stakeholders and test the feasibility of the plan in the financial area? Have you ever considered the possibility of a crowd funding campaign?

Schedule

Make a plan and schedule for the design and maintenance of the circular management system, focused on the following points:

• How is my organisation transitioning to a full circular organisation?
• Does circularity support the core business of my organisation?
• What adjustments have to be made to make our products and services circular?

What kind of investments are needed?

Circularity is not only an investment in the world, but also requires the organisations financial support. Ensure good training for employees and clear communication to successfully roll out the plan of action.

Get off to a flying start!

Have you ever heard of the 10R principle of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation? Look at the operational management and supporting processes based on these principles. Pay attention to the development of circular products and services according to the 10R’s. Test the product quality, ensure good performance statements and environmentally relevant information about the product or service.

Refuse                         Avoid using raw materials
Reduce                        Reduce the use of resources
Redesign                     Redesign a product based on circularity
Re-use                         Re-use products
Repair                          Maintenance and repair
Refurbish                     Refurbish the product
Remanufacture            Remanufacture a second-hand product
Re-purpose                  Reuse the product for a different purpose
Recycle                        Processing and recycling of materials
Recover                       Energy recovery

Standing still is going backwards

Often evaluate the results that are achieved and keep determining where your plan of action can be improved. If you keep this in mind, making the transition won’t be a brash adventure. Your organisation is then well prepared and offers a lot of added value for your clients and for the organisation itself.