Creating business models for
the circular economy

We help you to design and realize sustainable business models and create circular ecosystems.

 
 

Developed and used with

Navigating a business transformation alone is a tricky endeavor; taking it another step further by trying to build your own circular model can take you from tricky to unbearable. The Circular Economy Pattern Cards and their methodology are a fantastic way to navigate all the needed changes in your supply and value chain and make sure you add value.
— Julian Schubert, Managing Director V-ZUG Services AG
 

Key benefits

The Circular Navigator is a methodology that we developed together with the University of St. Gallen. The goal: helping you to create sustainable and profitable business models for the circular economy.

Managing complex circular ecosystems

Developing sustainable business models

A systematic approach to design and testing

40 circular patterns help to spark creativity

 

Developing your business model for a circular ecosystem - step by step

An easy-to-navigate seven step process to design and implement sustainable circular ecosystems, including 40 circular ecosystem patterns that support you to come up with new and sustainable solutions and much more…

 
 
  1. Capture and communicate the need for change - your impulse

  2. Identify the status quo and opportunities

  3. Ideate new circular ideas based on successful patterns

  4. Design and integrate a circular ecosystem

  5. Imagine your future: create a vision for the whole ecosystem and future partners

  6. Identify and incorporate the right partners

  7. Test, de-risk and implement the most crucial aspects of your business model and the ecosystem

 

Our services & offerings

Introduction & webinars

You want to educate your co-workers to create the necessary understanding and mindset to push for circular and sustainable solutions?

We offer specifically tailored webinars and introductions workshops for your company.

Key outcomes:

  • Common understanding of the circular economy and business model innovation

  • Why business models are crucial for a successful shift to the circular economy

  • Learn how to create circular ecosystems and the most important steps

  • Know the biggest external and internal pitfalls and obstacles and how to overcome them


Workshops

Your goal is to create and realize circular and sustainable solutions?

Our workshops are the first step to create new solutions for your company. Hands-on, with results you can build on.

Key outcomes:

  • Generate and design concrete circular ecosystems and business models for your company

  • Create a hands-on learning and outcome-oriented experience for up to 24 participants

  • Understand, create and align on a roadmap to start realizing the best opportunities


Circular launchpad

The biggest challenge for CE is to create solutions that are not only sustainable and work, but are also profitable.

Our launchpad offering will guide you through the whole process, from the concept stage to earning profits with a sustainable, circular solution.

Key outcomes:

  • A number of detailed business model ideas and ecosystem that can fuel your future portfolio of business models and concept that achieves your sustainability and monetary goals

  • Guidance through the actual implementation process, including assumption-based testing, KPI definitions, growth and go-to-market plans, as well as partner- and ecosystem management

  • A realized circular solution that is used by your customers


Circular Intrapreneurship Program

You want to lift your company to the next level?

Let us help you to build a community of circular intrapreneurs that will support each other and transform your company into a circular powerhouse.

Key outcomes:

  • Educate multiple teams and build a circular community that helps you realize solutions across departments and beyond your company

  • Learn from and realize actual projects to build a whole portfolio of circular businesses

  • In the process, learn what interferes with your circular projects and understand how to adjust your processes and culture to improve the successrate of your projects


Additional resources

Circular Navigator - Whitepaper

Learn more about the Circular Navigator methodology developed with the University of St. Gallen in our free whitepaper.

Circular Newsletter

In this monthly newsletter, Richard Stechow and Fabian Takacs, co-authors of the Circular Navigator whitepaper, discuss current news and events around circular economy.

Circular Economy Pattern Cards

An interactive tool for designing circular business models: 40 patterns behind successful circular solutions to spark your creativity.

Circular Canvas

The Circular Canvas helps to simplify the complexity of the circular economy, creating a high-level overview of the circular value chain. You can download the template here.


Circular economy in action

Making batteries circular

An overview of the evolving ecosystem and opportunities for circularity in the lithium-ion battery landscape.


Real circularity in the textile industry

The Wear2Wear case: how SMEs shape and realize what others struggle with.


Get in touch

Schedule a call with our circular economy lead to explore how you can create new digital business with a sustainable competitive advantage.

  • Book 15 min call at your convenience

  • Receive a personalized quick assessment and insights

  • Get to know us - no strings attached