Table Of ContentA CIRCULAR ECONOMY HANDBOOK
PRAISE FOR THE SECOND EDITION
‘As the world adopts strategies to address the stress that the planet is under,
more organizations are realizing that their knowledge and skills need
updating and developing. A key aspect of this new sustainable approach
is understanding where stuff comes from, how a business uses it and what
happens to stuff after its first life. This is where the circular economy comes
in and this book provides a range of knowledge inputs across a number of
key sectors and uses business examples that allow any organization to
develop new pathways forwards.’
Dr David Peck, Associate Professor, Circular Built Environment and Critical
Materials, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), The Netherlands
‘This is a book for everyone in business, or who wants to shape the future
of business. The circular economy is the best toolkit we have for future
sustainable business and this book leads you through what it is and why so
many businesses and governments are getting on board.’
Tom Szaky, Founder and CEO, TerraCycle
‘A very good guide, avoiding jargon and bringing concepts to life with clear
explanations and concrete examples. It covers everything you need to know
about “going circular” and also goes further, reviewing criticisms and setting
the bar higher.’
Stephan Sicars, Managing Director, Directorate of Environment and Energy,
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
‘Catherine Weetman provides rich insight into the business opportunity of
the circular economy. A Circular Economy Handbook covers various
company cases and frameworks which are of great practical value to those
looking for inspiration. It is a great resource for organizations aiming to
close the “idea–action gap” to accelerate the transition towards a circular
economy!’
Dr Nancy Bocken, Professor in Sustainable Business, Maastricht Sustainability
Institute, School of Business and Economics, Maastricht University
‘When considering the change of gear from a linear to a circular economy,
and the need to accelerate this transition, then this handbook delivers on all
levels. A well-versed specialist, Catherine Weetman describes the themes,
measurements and outcomes in a non-technical manner shining a light and
giving practical guidance to implementing this change.’
Steve Haskew, Strategic Sustainability Executive, Circular Computing
‘Every business leader and university should include this book in their
programme for the next generation of aspiring professionals. In this latest
edition, Catherine Weetman provides even more case studies in the constantly
evolving landscape of circular economy developments around the world. A
clear and comprehensive must-read for any seasoned or aspiring circular
economy or supply chain professional. From electronics to food to fashion,
Catherine has considered a wide range of how CE frameworks have been
engaged across sectors so in whatever industry your organization resides,
there are key takeaways and learnings to help any business transition
towards a more circular world. Highly recommended!’
Noreen Kam, Founder and CEO, LUP Global
‘The circular economy is smart strategic thinking for profitable and pur-
pose-led business. This book presents a catalogue of practical frameworks
and inspiring examples for organizations of all sizes and shapes, in every
sector, around the world.’
Anna Tari, Founder, Circular Economy Club (CEC)
‘Ensuring that the transition to a new economic model takes place under
the best possible conditions is no easy task. Thanks to Catherine Weetman
and her contributors, this book once again solidifies the foundations and
reinforces the credibility of a circular economy helping us to move towards
this paradigm shift that we all wish for. This is now your tool to change
everything for the better. Use and reuse it, then pass on to others!’
Alexandre Lemille, The Circular Humansphere
‘A perfect mix of theory and practical arguments to convince the reader that
our future is circular. We must think differently, create new business rules,
values and attitudes. With an outstanding compilation of cases, Catherine
Weetman demonstrates how to find the right balance between growth,
competitive advantage and value creation for all. Essential reading for
political and businesses leaders, in countries like Brazil, that seek knowledge
and inspiration to accelerate the transition.’
Beatriz Luz, Founder of Exchange 4 Change Brasil, NEC and Visiting Professor
at FIA
‘I truly believe that awakening a taste for change – and making it happen –
requires a good understanding of the circular economy while being already
immersed in its practicality. It is precisely what this unique handbook does,
thanks to its collection of content, its structure, and its perspective. Indeed,
it provides a wealth of information gathered in one place: a straightforward
way to learn fast and get inspired for your circular initiatives. It demon-
strates many existing cases and strategies you might apply. You can peruse
it in one go, choose a piece of a chapter that applies to your case or read it
back and forth. The icing on the cake for this second version? The added
chapter about packaging gives an easy-to-follow overview of this complex
problem! Expert without falling into jargon, Catherine Weetman makes the
Circular Economy attractive to anyone!’
Colienne Regout, CEO, Look4Loops, Canada
‘Making the shift towards a circular economy model can be a huge
challenge. Catherine Weetman’s book is useful to what’s needed most in
this day and age: getting into action and shifting the existing paradigm. The
book offers a range of insights and tools to help you make that shift, and
deliver value along the way. Have fun, use it and join, please, our global
community of change makers.’
Harald Friedl, Global Adviser, Systems Change and Circular Economy
PRAISE FOR THE FIRST EDITION
‘A confident, comprehensive text allowing access to all the major strands
contributing to business opportunities in a circular economy. It is brimming
with facts, case studies and references for further study. A very timely publi-
cation indeed!’
Ken Webster, Senior Lecturer in Circular Economy, University of Exeter
Business School, and Director of the IS4CE (International Society for Circular
Economy)
‘Sector by sector, Catherine systemically unpicks why we need to build a
circular economy and, crucially, complements this analysis to explain how
we can do this.’
Mike Barry, Director, www.mikebarryeco.earth
‘This book has got it all and is a must-read for anyone who wants to under-
stand and apply the circular economy today. The enablers, accelerators and
drivers are illustrated with practical examples and applications. For an
assessment of the challenges that lie ahead, read this book and learn from
one of the best.’
Professor Julieanna Powell-Turner, Academic Research Director, University
of Chester
‘Making maximum use of resources and extracting value multiple times
over is at the heart of the transition to a circular economy. This handbook is
perfectly timed to help businesses adapt and thrive by implementing circular
economy principles and practices.’
Martin Baxter, Chief Policy Adviser, IEMA
‘A fascinating and insightful look at the circular economy, from laying out
the history, principles and underlying concepts through to practical guid-
ance for considering and implementing a more circular approach for any
business. Transitioning to circular business models should be at the top of
every organization’s agenda and this book will help to stimulate and guide
that change.’
Nick Cliffe, Innovate UK
‘An extremely useful handbook on the Circular Economy, a great reference
base interweaved with a richness of case studies. It’s easily digestible and
bridges from theory to implementation seamlessly. I would recommend it as
a ‘go-to’ reference for anybody looking to learn about, or adopt, circular
economy models.’
Steve Smith, former Director, Supply Chain Transformation, Tata Steel
Europe
‘Introduces the central concepts and ideas for sustainable ways of working
in a clear, pragmatic manner. The many practical examples make tangible
the supply chain models increasingly required to conserve scarce resources
whilst supporting economic growth. Here is a handbook for change that
could not be more timely.’
Calum Lewis, Founder and Principal, Green Room Consulting Ltd, and former
Senior Director – Demand Planning/Management EMEA, The LEGO Group
‘A clearly written and accessible introduction to the development and
implementation of circular thinking, with tangible and meaningful exam-
ples to help organizations and their partners making the journey towards
circularity.’
Dr Matthew Hunt, Director, Environment and Sustainability Consulting,
Royal Haskoning DHV
‘Catherine Weetman’s ambition seems to me to be to set the agenda for busi-
nesses and their supply chains in our globalized economy, and her book,
A Circular Economy Handbook for Business and Supply Chains, does just
that. With elegance and flair, this book promises to open people’s eyes,
rewire their thinking and reset aspirations for what can be achieved by the
intelligent application of these ideas. Weetman is a provocative thinker and
has put together a book which will help businesses and those who lead them
to stay ahead of the process of organizational adaptation and introduce real
and much needed change.’
Gerard Chick, former Director of Intelligence, Skanör Group Ltd
‘The need for sustainable supply chain management and in particular the
management of the closed loop economy (circular economy) is both topical
and important. Supply chain practitioners have the challenge to not only
learn and understand these new concepts but also utilize a number of
tools and techniques to effectively manage their chains. This book provides
a comprehensive treatment of topics influencing the circular economy
across a variety of sectors and provides valuable guidance for managing
supply chains. An abundance of case examples, tools and learning resources
within this book will be extremely beneficial to students, academics and
practitioners.’
Samir Dani, Professor of Operations Management, and Head of the
Marketing, Management and Organisation Group, Keele Business School,
Keele University
‘This book fills a need by bringing together a wide range of insights and
examples about the growing importance of the circular economy and its
impact on traditional business models and the supply chain networks with
which we are currently familiar. The many practical cases are supported by
the very clear structure and the way that the wider context is integrated into
the discussion and analysis. The author has a wealth of experience and this
is evident throughout the text. This book is a major and timely contribution
to improving our understanding of the circular economy and its implica-
tions for supply chain and logistics management.’
Michael Browne, Professor of Logistics, School of Business, Economics and
Law, University of Gothenburg
‘Circular economy is a fast-rising theme among academics and practi-
tioners. This book consists of wide-ranging references and in-depth knowl-
edge, which crystallizes the idea of the circular economy for implementation
and research needs.’
Professor Ming K Lim, Professor of Supply Chain and Operations Management,
Coventry University
‘If you are looking for a comprehensive and practical guide to the supply
chain aspects of the circular economy, this book should comfortably meet
your needs. It is cleverly structured, highly informative and written in a very
engaging style by one of the foremost specialists in the subject.’
Professor Alan McKinnon, Professor of Logistics, Kühne Logistics University
A Circular Economy Handbook
How to build a more resilient, competitive and
sustainable business
SECOND EDITION
Catherine Weetman
Publisher’s note
Every possible effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this book is
accurate at the time of going to press, and the publisher and authors cannot accept
responsibility for any errors or omissions, however caused. No responsibility for loss or
damage occasioned to any person acting, or refraining from action, as a result of the material
in this publication can be accepted by the editor, the publisher or the authors.
First published in Great Britain and the United States in 2017 as A Circular Economy Handbook for
Business and Supply Chains by Kogan Page Limited
Second edition published in 2021
Apart from any fair dealing for the purposes of research or private study, or criticism or review, as
permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, this publication may only be repro-
duced, stored or transmitted, in any form or by any means, with the prior permission in writing of
the publishers, or in the case of reprographic reproduction in accordance with the terms and
licences issued by the CLA. Enquiries concerning reproduction outside these terms should be sent
to the publishers at the undermentioned addresses:
2nd Floor, 45 Gee Street 122 W 27th Street, 4737/23 Ansari Road
London 10th Floor Daryaganj
EC1V 3RS New York, NY 10001 New Delhi 110002
United Kingdom USA India
www.koganpage.com
Kogan Page books are printed on paper from sustainable forests.
© Catherine Weetman, 2017, 2021
The right of Catherine Weetman to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by
her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988.
Hardback 978 1 78966 533 8
Paperback 978 1 78966 531 4
Ebook 978 1 78966 532 1
British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data
A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Weetman, Catherine, author.
Title: A circular economy handbook : how to build a more resilient,
competitive and sustainable business / Catherine Weetman.
Other titles: Circular economy handbook for business and supply chains
Description: Second edition. | London, United Kingdom ; New York, NY :
Kogan Page, 2021. |
Identifiers: LCCN 2020039159 (print) | LCCN 2020039160 (ebook) | ISBN
9781789665314 (paperback) | ISBN 9781789665338 (hardback) | ISBN
9781789665321 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: Recycling industry. | Business logistics. | Managerial
economics.
Classification: LCC HD9975.A2 W44 2021 (print) | LCC HD9975.A2 (ebook) |
DDC 658.7--dc23
Typeset by Hong Kong FIVE Workshop, Hong Kong
Print production managed by Jellyfish
Printed and bound by CPI Group (UK) Ltd, Croydon CR0 4YY
CONTENTS
List of figures and tables xiv
List of case studies and snapshots – by sector and company name xviii
About the author xxii
About the contributors xxiv
Acknowledgements xxvii
Introduction 1
The second edition 3
Global trends signalling a new direction 3
How is the circular economy better? 4
The book structure 7
PART ONE
An overview of the circular economy 11
01 The circular economy 13
What is it? 13
Background 16
Evolution of the concept: architects, scientists and sailors 19
Other supporting approaches 26
Scaling it up: countries, consultancies and companies 26
The circular economy: a generic framework 31
Summary 38
Further resources 39
Notes 40
02 The design and supply chain 44
Circular economy loops 45
Terminology 48
The design and supply chain 52
Rethinking supply chains 69
Summary 70
Further resources 72
Notes 72
