New Business Models

An important part of a circular economy mindset is accepting that the linear "business as usual" models need to change to enable circularity. By taking on a new business model, or starting a business based on circular economy principles, an organization can start or continue their journey as part of the circular economy.
PureWRX
PureWRX partnered with IT hardware leader Juniper Networks to create Juniper Certified PreOwned, extending the useful life of computer equipment that might otherwise be scrapped after use. The program allows customers to extend the life of their networks by using this certified pre-owned equipment.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Environmental
Refurbishment
ECOR Fiber Conversion, Manufacturing & Upcycling Process
The ECOR manufacturing process allows for the conversion and upcycling of low value, often problematic, waste resources into a high performance building materials.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Closed Loop
Sourcing
H&M Unwanted Garment Collection

H&M

H&M has set the vision of becoming 100% circular, including only using recycled or other sustainably sourced materials and taking a circular approach in how products are made and used.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Retail Returns
H&M Clothing Reselling

H&M

H&M seeks to extend the life of a garment. This means striving for long product durability and facilitating secondary use, for example second-hand sales.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Retail Returns
Best Buy E-waste Recycling

Best Buy

To address the issue of e-waste, in 2009 Best Buy established its recycling program. In fiscal year 2016 the company introduced changes to its in-store recycling program that allows it to continue to provide this service for its customers.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Retail Returns
Best Buy Trade-In Program

Best Buy

The Best Buy Trade-In Program is the core of its “reuse” phase of the product lifecycle.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Retail Returns
Technology for Reselling Goods

Optoro

Optoro's technology helps retailers and manufacturers process, sort, and resell returned and excess goods directly to consumers.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Giving New Life to Used Electronic Devices

Gazelle

Gazelle pays consumers cash for gadgets they no longer use even if damaged and helps consumers save money on pre-owned devices.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Retail Returns
Complimentary Shoe Repair Service

Tamara Mellon

Tamara Mellon offers complimentary shoe repair services to extend the life of purchased shoes in partnership with Cobbler Concierge. Shoes are guaranteed for 2 years; shipping and service are free.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Retail Returns
Blue Jeans Donated for Housing Insulation

Madewell

Madewell accepts unwanted jeans and donates them to make housing insulation for Habitat for Humanity builds. Consumers also receive $20 off a new pair of jeans for every pair they donate.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Retail Returns
Clothes the Loop

The North Face

The North Face accepts and recycles used clothing and shoes — of any brand and in any condition — with all proceeds benefiting the Conservation Alliance, which funds community-based campaigns to protect wilderness and recreation areas.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Retail Returns
Kiehl's Recycle and Receive Complimentary Products

Kiehl’s Cosmetics

Kiehl’s offers consumers a complimentary Kiehl’s Travel Collection product for every 10 full-sized Kiehl’s products they recycle at a retail counter.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Retail Returns
Back-to-MAC

MAC Cosmetics

M·A·C accepts returns of its primary packaging through the Back-to-M·A·C Program. By returning six M·A·C primary packaging containers to a M·A·C counter or M·A·C Cosmetics online, consumers receive a free M·A·C lipstick of their choice as a thank you.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Retail Returns
GREEN EILEEN

EILEEN FISHER

GREEN EILEEN is a clothing take back program that collects, sorts and resells gently worn EILEEN FISHER clothing. All profits from the resale of the clothing support programs that create positive change for women, girls and the environment.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Retail Returns
Apple In-Store Trade-Up

Apple

Customers can recycle any Apple device online or at any Apple Store. For qualifying devices, customers will receive a gift card online, and credit toward a purchase in-store. Apple will either refurbish the device for resale or recycle its materials responsibly to be reused.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Retail Returns
H&M Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

H&M

H&M collected 13,600 tons of garments in stores in 2015. H&M blends 20% recycled fibers into new clothes. Unwanted garments can be dropped off at any H&M store no matter what brand or condition.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Retail Returns
Reusing Cardboard Boxes for Donations

Give Back Box

Give Back Box® reuses online shipping boxes or any other cardboard box consumers may have to donate your unwanted household items to charity.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
I:CO Clothing Recycling

I:CO

I:CO collects clothing as well as shoes in cooperation with retail partners, organizes the transport to the sorting and recycling plant, sorts the items and promotes a closed loop recycling structure.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Retail Returns
Kids’ Stuff Buyback Program
Kid2Kid buys children’s gear, clothes and toys for cash or store credit.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models
Reselling Used Furniture

AptDeco

AptDeco is the easiest way to buy and sell used furniture. The company takes care of payments, scheduling, pick up & delivery, insurance, and more.
Circular Economy Categories: 
New Business Models