How CIRCO contributes to a circular economy
In the face of increasing resource scarcity and climate change, the shift to a circular economy is more important than ever. The goal is to keep products, components, and materials in use for as long as possible. CIRCO’s Tracks and Classes support companies in developing innovative circular strategies—from modular design and reusable solutions to new business models like product return programs and service-based models.
Bertelsmann Stiftung interviews CIRCO participants
As the first CIRCO hub in Germany, Effizienz-Agentur NRW (efa) offers free CIRCO workshops to companies in North Rhine-Westphalia on behalf of the North Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of the Environment. More than 150 companies have already participated.
As part of the study, Bertelsmann Stiftung surveyed companies that had participated in CIRCO workshops to assess the impact of the CIRCO method. The survey aimed to identify the benefits of the program. Participants shared insights on the format, content, and implementation of the workshops, as well as their interest in applying circular economy principles and the ideas they developed during the sessions.
Result: high implementation rate of CIRCO projects
The survey results show that our CIRCO workshops, with their integrated networking, are seen as extremely helpful by participants. 90% rated the workshops as practical and useful, while the majority were able to significantly improve their understanding of the circular economy. 40% of the companies have already actively implemented the projects developed in the CIRCO workshops – a promising figure that underlines the potential of the method.
CIRCO as a catalyst for change
Stefan Opitz, head of the CIRCO Hub business unit at efa, stresses: ‘The study clearly shows that the CIRCO method is a key driver of change towards a circular economy. Companies are increasingly recognising that they already have valuable know-how. Our CIRCO workshops support them in strategically developing existing products and business models and making them future-proof.”
Economic benefits are the main motivation for entering the circular economy
In addition to evaluating the CIRCO workshop format, Bertelsmann Stiftung also analysed why companies are getting involved in the circular economy. The most important reasons are economic and strategic benefits, as well as a deep-rooted sense of responsibility for future generations.
Many companies see the circular economy as an opportunity to secure their future, as circular business models strengthen their competitiveness in the long term. Circular design also offers new market opportunities and opportunities for differentiation. Finally, regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) are pushing companies to rethink their strategies and integrate circular principles more effectively.
Customers need to be made more aware of the benefits of circular products
An obstacle to implementation, however, is the frequent lack of customer acceptance of circular products. Companies must therefore increasingly develop new sales arguments in order to reach new target groups and demonstrate the economic benefits. According to the study, it is encouraging to see a shift in this trend: Companies are increasingly recognising that circular business models make not only environmental sense, but also economic sense.
Different programmes support companies
In addition to CIRCO, there are numerous other practical support programmes available to companies in the field of circular economy, according to the study.
This article was written by Effizienz-Agentur NRW (efa). Read the original German article here or find out more about their upcoming CIRCO workshops here.