Circular Economy: The Next Level of Company Success, a Comprehensive Study on How to Create Value and Improve Operational Excellence Through Circularity

Without any doubt, the current prevailing Linear Economy principle of take-make-dispose is inherently unsustainable: Raw materials are extracted, transformed into products, and discarded as waste after use. The resulting environmental and economic challenges brought together both practitioners and academics to develop more sustainable methods for production and consumption. Especially the concept of Circular Economy has received a lot of attention. But despite many technical solutions, a key question for practical implementation has remained unanswered until now: How can enterprises integrate Circular Economy into their business strategy to leverage success? 

This book examines the topic of Circular Economy in an entrepreneurial context. It describes ten options for companies to retain value and identifies drivers and enablers for implementing Circular Economy in businesses.  

A survey among more than 500 industry experts revealed the extent to which retention options were implemented in practice. For the first time, relevant drivers and enablers for each retention option were identified. On top of this, case studies of successful circular market offerings shed light on each retention option in detail.

The knowledge gained from research and the further shared experiences of experts that contributed to this book result in a 6-step management model. This model provides guidance on how to implement Circular Economy in organisations as an element of operational excellence and as a source of product, service, and business innovation. Now, every enterprise can start the journey.

As the survey and the cases show: Circular Economy is a promising way to the next level of company success. The book at hand will help organisations to develop their own individual approach that matches their business model. In short, you will find:

• First comprehensive analysis of 10 retention options, their drivers, and enablers. 
• Survey of more than 500 companies and in-depth case studies for each retention option. 
• Practical research-based implementation model for companies.

Professor André Podleisek is a specialist in Sustainability and Quality in Industry. His enthusiasm for environmental protection and Circular Economy began when he studied 20 years ago. Since then, he has been employed by global industrial companies as a Sustainability Officer, where he has changed their way of doing business to incorporate Circular Economy. Recently, he joined the university to pass on his practical sustainability knowledge to the next generation of industrial engineers.

Prof. Dr. Katharina Luban is a distinguished expert in the field of Supply Chain Management. She dedicates her professional endeavours to pioneering modern, technology-driven solutions that enhance logistics operations, procurement activities, and product cost. A focal point of her research, teaching, and consulting efforts lies in embracing Circular Economy principles, which play a pivotal role in fortifying supply chains for long-term resilience in the ever-evolving landscape of the future. 

Prof. Dr. Roman Hänggi is an expert in Production Management, having accrued 25 years of experience in the industry at all levels of hierarchy. His passion for the ongoing development of lean in the digital age continues to motivate him today. He assisted numerous industrial companies in their journey to become operational champions through the combination of lean and digitalisation. His expertise has enabled him to incorporate Circular Economy principles into the operational excellence path in both practice and research.