In recent years, the Circular Economy (CE) has gained worldwide attention as an effective alternative economic system to the current take-make-waste model of production and consumption. As more and more firms begin to recognize the potential of this novel approach, the CE quickly moves from theory to practice and the demand for a coherent and structured CE strategic approach – one that companies can rely upon when commencing their circular journey – grows accordingly.

This book aims to bridge the theory-practice gap by putting forward a detailed step-by-step process for design, implementation and execution of CE strategies. Using a solid CE framework made of easy-to-grasp constructs (key principles, business objectives and areas of intervention), the authors guide the reader through an understanding of how conventional tools for strategic analysis can be re-programmed with the CE in mind.

The reader is constantly prompted with activities and examples that assist learning and encourage circular thinking. Also, several key studies are presented to show how forward-looking companies are already applying circular strategies to future-proof their operations, boost innovation, penetrate new markets and secure customer loyalty. The book is structured in a way that provides a balanced blend of theoretical perspectives, examples, and learning activities.

It is divided in four parts. The first one sets the stage and offers an overview of the circular economy. The second part presents the CE framework outlining the main pillars of the circular economy, introducing the fundamental CE business models, and discussing the most important technologies for CE adoption.

The third part is the core of the book. Here, conventional tools for strategic analysis are questioned with the circular economy principles in mind. The various tools are presented following a logical strategic process, alongside many case studies and examples of best practice. The final section broadens the horizons of the book to show that the Company represents an important level of analysis for a CE (r)evolution, but not the only one. We can in fact move down to product and substance levels or upwards and consider a nation and world perspectives.