Achieving a Circular Economy: How the Private Sector is Reimagining the Future of Business

Today’s linear economy—in which, quite simply, natural resources are extracted from the ground, made into products, used, and thrown away—was highly successful in delivering economic development during the 20th century. However, global trends indicate that the traditional, linear model’s ability to produce economic growth is being increasingly challenged, prompting a search for alternative approaches that can work in the long term.
Companies are actively pursuing alternative approaches to the linear take-make-waste model that decouple economic growth from resource constraints—such as the circular economy. This concept has captured the attention of many companies that see the economic opportunities of a viable model to successfully tackle sustainability challenges; drive performance, competitiveness, and innovation; and stimulate economic growth and development.
Published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Corporate Citizenship Center (CCC), in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Achieving a Circular Economy: How the Private Sector is Reimagining the Future of Business showcases companies that are contributing business solutions to society's challenges. In this report, we are pleased to present a collection of best practices and strategies for how companies are leveraging the environmental, economic, and social opportunities that circular economy provides—and how they are doing it profitably.
This report is divided into six categories:
- Thought Leadership
- Electronics and Information Technology Services
- Environmental Services
- Finance
- Manufacturing
- Plastics and Packaging
In addition to the full report, we'll be featuring each article on our Blog.
We'll also be hosting two webinars to discuss several of the circular economy strategies featured in the report more in depth.
- November 17, 2015: Achieving a Circular Economy: How the Private Sector is Re-imagining the Future of Business, hosted by GreenBiz.
- November 20, 2015: Achieving a Circular Economy: How the Private Sector is Re-imagining the Future of Business, as part of the Ellen MarArthur Foundation's Disruption Innovation Festival.
In addition to the full report, we'll be featuring each article on our Blog.
- Philips North America: Philips' Refurbishment Plans: Cats Aren't the Only Ones with Nine Lives
- HP: Subscriptions for Printer Ink? It's Business for the Future
- Republic Services: This Recycling Company is Taking a Step Forward with Circular Economy
The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily state or reflect those of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, or its affiliates.