The Circular Economy Manager

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About Course

The Circular Economy Manager course by Seeds for Sustainability equips professionals with the tools and knowledge to transition businesses from traditional linear models to sustainable circular systems.

 

It focuses on key principles like reducing waste, promoting resource efficiency, and adopting innovative business models. Participants will learn through a mix of practical projects, expert guidance, and access to tailored resources, preparing them to lead sustainability efforts in their organizations.

 

The course also aligns with global trends and regulations, enabling businesses to adapt, thrive, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

 

By the end of the course you will be equipped to create practical, impactful strategies that align business operations with sustainability goals.

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What Will You Learn?

  • Explore the principles and practices of the circular economy
  • Learn how to design sustainable business models that reduce waste, optimize resource use, and foster innovation.
  • Discover frameworks like the ReSOLVE model, strategies for transitioning from consumption to usage-based systems, and tools for product lifecycle extension
  • Discover enabling technologies such as IoT and 3D printing, renewable materials, and external accelerators like policies and partnerships

Course Content

Introduction to the circular economy
The Circular Economy is a transformative approach to how we produce, consume, and manage resources, designed to address the mounting environmental and economic challenges of our time. Unlike the traditional linear economy—where resources are extracted, used, and discarded—the circular economy focuses on minimizing waste and maximizing the value of materials by keeping them in continuous use. This model is urgently needed to combat resource depletion, reduce pollution, and mitigate climate change, while encouraging innovation and creating sustainable economic opportunities. By prioritizing principles such as reuse, repair, recycling, and sustainable design, the circular economy offers a pathway to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship, ensuring a thriving future for both people and the planet.

Circular Design Principles and Terminologies
This lesson on circular design principles and terminologies explores the importance of creating sustainable systems through innovative resource management and product lifecycle strategies. It highlights four key material cycles—reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling—while distinguishing between biological and technological nutrients within a circular economy. The concept of circularity extends to components, compounds, and process inputs, emphasizing the need for durable, renewable, and safe materials. Design principles focus on extending product life, reducing waste, and maximizing reuse through innovative methods. Practical examples, such as mycelium-based packaging, recycled ocean plastic shoes, and water-saving manufacturing by Levi’s, illustrate real-world applications of circular design. Together, these approaches aim to minimize resource consumption, reduce waste, and foster sustainable business practices.

Circular Business Models
The unit Circular Business Models outlines strategies for transitioning businesses toward a circular economy by emphasizing sustainability and innovative practices. It highlights a shift from consumption to usage-based models, where ownership remains with providers, enabling options like renting, sharing, and subscriptions to extend product life and reduce waste. Various frameworks and schools of thought are discussed, including Accenture's five business models (e.g., circular supply chains, sharing platforms) and McKinsey's ReSOLVE Framework, which focuses on principles such as regeneration, optimization, and reuse. The goals of circular business models include slowing resource flow through durability, intensifying usage through sharing or pay-as-you-go models, closing material loops by recovering and regenerating products, and narrowing resource use through efficiency and dematerialization. Strategic alignment across product design, supply chains, and commercial approaches is key, with business models like leasing, subscriptions, and resale offering flexibility. Good practice examples, such as Shiftphones, Lapstore.de, and Queen of Raw, demonstrate the successful application of circular principles. This approach fosters resilience, sustainability, and new market opportunities for businesses.

Enablers and Accelerators
This unit "Enablers and Accelerators" highlights key factors driving the circular economy. Enablers focus on internal innovation, such as adopting renewable materials, leveraging technologies like IoT and 3D printing, and rethinking design through systems thinking. Accelerators, on the other hand, are external influences like policies, collaborative initiatives, and certifications that promote sustainable practices. Together, these elements help organizations transition to more efficient, circular operations.

Final Assignment

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