Implementation of Circular Business Models in Firms: Prospects and Barriers

Title

Implementation of Circular Business Models in Firms: Prospects and Barriers

 Author

Cha, Yewon (TU Delft Technology, Policy and Management)

Contributor

Verburg, R.M. (mentor) ORCID 0000-0002-5805-8737
Quist, J.N. (mentor) ORCID 0000-0002-6365-4082
Scholten, V.E. (mentor) ORCID 0000-0001-8037-8860

 Degree granting institution

Delft University of Technology

 Programme

Management of Technology (MoT)

 Date

2017-08-31

 Abstract

The appearance of circular economy has been raised as a solution to rapidly diminishing resources and waste issues that constant economic growth entail. The transition from the current linear economy in which we take, make, use, and dispose of resources to a circular economy in which waste becomes raw material is expected to close material loop. To advance the era of the circular economy and foster the participation of companies, understanding circular business models is essential.

This research studied three cases of circular business models (CBMs). The companies that use resource-based CBMs and bulk waste and deal with business customers were selected. Black Bear Carbon generates carbon black from end-of-life tires, DSM NIAGA provides carpet machines and adhesive that enables the production of 100% recyclable carpet, and Van Houtum generates toilet paper from used paper.

The findings of this research are threefold: (1) the concept of upcycling is one of the elements that defines a CBM, (2) the most critical factor for the success of CBM is a circular value network, (3) the business modelling tools for CBMs should emphasize the element of circular values. This brings the theoretical contributions to the definition of CBM and developments of the business modelling tools for CBMs. The practical contributions are made to the firms who are considering implementing a CBM as a reference book. Lastly, policy makers can use this research as a guideline on the revision or reformation of the waste policy and legislation.

Subject

Circular Business Model
Circular Economy
Value Network
Material Recovery
Waste to Material

 To reference this document use:

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:b08ae462-53f2-4a52-b8aa-1ab7166852bb

 Part of collection

Student theses

 Document type

master thesis

 Rights

© 2017 Yewon Cha
Files
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