A managerial guide towards the practical implementation of circular economy pilot projects

Circular economy is a sustainability concept that has recently received considerable attention in media, literature and legislation. The core of the theory is a reduction in resource dependency and human influence on the environment. While most applications focus on reusing end-of-life products as inputs in the value chain, the broader definition described hereinafter encompasses a much wider range of business models. The purpose of this master thesis is to provide executives with a catalog of frameworks that facilitate selecting and implementing the right circular economy project for their company. Following extensive literature review, this thesis presents a structured way to approach each stage of the decision process associated with said project. The thesis starts by proposing a rigorous definition of the circular economy concept and the various benefits attributed to it. It then presents concrete tools to identify environmental issues through an analysis of the operations along the value chain. Following this, a formula to prioritize among these issues is introduced. The last chapter details a brainstorming tool to find solutions for these prioritized issues and discusses the most commonly implemented business models in circular economy initiatives. Finally, standards for a vision statement and performance indicators are briefly presented. The thesis as a whole can be used as a frame of reference throughout the entire decision process, but its chapters can also be consulted independently.