Try imagine a world where waste is not the end, but only the beginning. This is the promise of a circular economy, a revolutionary concept that’s shaping how we think about production, consumption and sustainability. Right now, more and more of the world business leaders are becoming aware of the potential of this new paradigm, eager to move away from the old, linear economy model that has wreaked so much destruction on our planet.
But where does one start on this circular journey? Enter the heroes of our story: the circular economy consulting firms. These are the guides, the mentors, the trailblazers who are helping companies big and small navigate the winding path towards circularity.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 12 best of these circular economy consultants. Each has a unique story, a special set of skills, and a track record of turning circular dreams into reality. From innovative startups to established powerhouses, these firms are writing the next chapter in the book of sustainable business.
What is a Circular Economy?
With dwindling resources and mounting environmental challenges, the concept of a circular economy has emerged as a beacon of hope for sustainable business practices. At its core, a circular economy is an economic model designed to eliminate waste, maximize resource efficiency, and regenerate natural systems. It’s a paradigm shift from the traditional linear “take-make-dispose” approach to a more cyclical “reduce-reuse-recycle” methodology.
In practice, a circular economy manifests in various ways across industries. For instance, in the fashion sector, it might involve creating durable, recyclable clothing or implementing clothing rental services. In the tech industry, it could mean designing easily repairable devices or establishing robust recycling programs for electronic waste.
Circular vs Linear Economy Models
Traditional linear systems depend on abundant cheap materials and energy, following a “take-make-waste” pattern that strains natural resources and fills landfills. Circular systems prioritize material preservation through strategic recycling, refurbishment, and reuse, creating sustainable cycles that reduce environmental impact while maintaining economic value.
The circular economy is built on three fundamental principles:
Design out waste and pollution: This involves rethinking product design and manufacturing processes to minimize waste from the outset.
Keep products and materials in use: By extending product lifecycles through repair, reuse, and remanufacturing, we can extract maximum value from resources.
Regenerate natural systems: This principle focuses on returning valuable nutrients to the soil and other ecosystems to support natural regeneration.
1. Designing Out Waste and Pollution
At the heart of the circular economy lies the principle of designing out waste and pollution. This concept permeates every stage of the economic cycle, from raw materials to residual waste management.
Raw Materials
In a circular economy, the emphasis is on using renewable, recycled, or bio-based materials. Companies are increasingly turning to innovative solutions, such as creating fabrics from recycled plastic bottles or developing bio-based alternatives to traditional petrochemical products. By prioritizing sustainable raw materials, we reduce the need for virgin resource extraction and minimize environmental impact.
Sustainable Design
Product design plays a crucial role in eliminating waste and pollution. Designers are now focusing on creating products that are durable, repairable, and easily disassembled for recycling. This approach not only extends product lifespans but also facilitates the recovery of valuable materials at the end of a product’s life.
Production
Circular production processes aim to minimize waste and energy consumption. Advanced manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing, allow for precise material usage, reducing excess waste. Additionally, companies are implementing closed-loop systems that recapture and reuse resources within their production facilities.
2. Keeping Products and Materials in Use
The second principle focuses on extending the lifecycle of products and materials, which is essential for maximizing resource efficiency.
Distribution
Innovative distribution models are emerging to support product longevity. Some companies are adopting modular designs that allow for easy upgrades or repairs, while others are exploring product-as-a-service models that incentivize durability and maintenance.
Consumption, Reuse, and Repair
Consumers play a vital role in keeping products in use. The circular economy encourages a shift from ownership to usership, promoting sharing platforms and repair services. Companies are also developing take-back programs and refurbishment services to extend product lifecycles.
Collection
Efficient collection systems are crucial for recovering materials and products at the end of their use phase. Advanced sorting technologies and reverse logistics networks are being developed to facilitate the return of products and materials into the economic cycle.
3. Regenerating Natural Systems
The principle of regenerating natural systems represents a transformative approach to environmental stewardship, moving beyond mere conservation to active restoration and enhancement of our ecosystems. This concept is rooted in the understanding that our economic activities can and should contribute positively to the natural world, rather than simply minimizing harm.
Waste Management
In a circular economy, waste management is reimagined as resource recovery. Biological materials are composted or used in anaerobic digestion to produce energy, while technical materials are recycled or upcycled into new products.
Residual Waste Material
Even in a highly efficient circular system, some residual waste is inevitable. However, the goal is to minimize this waste and find innovative ways to reintegrate it into the economic cycle. For instance, some companies are exploring technologies to convert non-recyclable plastics into fuel or using waste materials in construction. By embracing these principles and focusing on the eight key areas of the economic cycle, we can create a more sustainable and resilient economy.
The benefits of moving toward a circular economy are numerous. Environmentally, it reduces pressure on natural resources and minimizes pollution. Economically, it can lead to significant cost savings, new revenue streams, and increased competitiveness. Socially, it can create new job opportunities and foster innovation.
Here is a QuickTake video from @Boomberg with a short introduction to the concept of the circular economy.
What do Circular Economy Consulting Firms Typically Offer?
The transition from traditional linear business models to circular, can be guided by circular economy consulting firms. These organizations offer a comprehensive suite of services, leveraging their cross-industry expertise to help businesses through the complex process of implementing circular principles. Let’s explore the key areas where these consultants typically offer their specialized knowledge and support.
Strategic Planning and Implementation
At the core of circular economy consulting is strategic planning and implementation. Consultants work hand-in-hand with businesses to develop bespoke circular economy strategies that align with their unique goals and industry context. This process typically begins with a comprehensive circularity assessment, where consultants identify opportunities for improvement and potential challenges.
Based on these insights, they help set ambitious yet achievable circular economy targets and establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress. The consultants then craft detailed roadmaps for implementation, outlining the steps necessary to transition towards a more circular business model. Throughout this process, they provide invaluable assistance with change management, helping organizations navigate the cultural and operational shifts required to embrace circularity fully.
Business Model Innovation
One of the most transformative services offered by circular economy consultants is business model innovation. These experts help companies reimagine their entire approach to value creation and capture, moving away from the traditional “take-make-dispose” model towards more sustainable alternatives. This might involve developing product-as-a-service models, where customers pay for the use of a product rather than owning it outright.
These firms may also help design sharing platforms that maximize the utilization of assets or products. Additionally, they assist in creating resource recovery and recycling systems that turn waste into valuable inputs, as well as establishing remanufacturing and refurbishment programs that extend product lifecycles. By rethinking business models through a circular lens, consultants help companies unlock new revenue streams, reduce costs, and minimize environmental impact simultaneously.
Supply Chain Optimization
Circular economy consultants recognize that a truly circular business model requires a holistic approach to supply chain management. They analyze existing supply chains and identify opportunities to close the loop, creating systems where materials and products circulate continuously. This often involves implementing reverse logistics solutions to facilitate the return and reprocessing of used products or materials.
Consultants also help companies source sustainable and recycled materials, reducing their reliance on virgin resources. Furthermore, they develop supplier engagement programs that encourage and enable partners throughout the supply chain to adopt circular practices. By optimizing supply chains for circularity, consultants help businesses reduce waste, lower costs, and enhance their resilience to supply chain disruptions.
Product and Process Design
Integrating circular principles into product and process design is another key area where these firms provide valuable expertise. They guide companies in adopting eco-design strategies that prioritize longevity, repairability, and recyclability, ensuring products are designed with their entire lifecycle in mind. This might involve selecting materials that are more easily recycled or biodegradable, or designing products for easy disassembly and remanufacturing.
Consultants also help optimize manufacturing processes to minimize waste and resource use, often identifying innovative ways to turn byproducts into valuable inputs for other processes. By reimagining product and process design through a circular lens, businesses can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while often discovering new opportunities for innovation and differentiation in the market.
12 Best Circular Economy Consulting Firms
From global corporations to emerging startups, here are 12 top consultancies steering the business world toward circular practices with their various expertise.
Oakdene Hollins
Oakdene Hollins is a boutique sustainability and circular economy consultancy that has been operating since 1994. The firm specializes in providing science-based, pragmatic recommendations to help businesses navigate the complex landscape of sustainability and circular economy practices.
As circular economy consultants, Oakdene Hollins offers comprehensive solutions to help businesses thrive within planetary boundaries. Their approach to the circular economy encompasses several key elements:
- Closed-Loop Systems: The firm advocates for a regenerative approach that allows materials and components to be continually cycled back into the economy, eliminating the concept of waste.
- Resource Optimization: Oakdene Hollins helps clients maximize resource efficiency and minimize waste, unlocking the full potential of the circular economy.
- Service-Based Models: They promote a shift towards “pay-per-use” models, fostering more sustainable consumption patterns.
- Collaborative Partnerships: The consultancy emphasizes the importance of cooperation across all stages of the value chain to optimize resource usage and reduce waste generation collectively.
Eco-design Integration
Oakdene Hollins specializes in eco-design, an approach aimed at reducing the environmental impact of products and systems throughout their lifecycle.
Circle Economy
Circle Economy Consulting shares the goal of its parent organization (Circle Economy Foundation) to double global circularity by 2032. The firm envisions an economic system that ensures the planet and all people can thrive. Its primary focus is on accelerating the circular transition within businesses.
The consultancy provides a range of services to help businesses adopt circular economy principles:
- Assessing the current state of circularity within organizations
- Co-developing future visions for circular business models
- Identifying practical, contextual, and actionable circular solutions
- Embedding circular principles into corporate strategy and culture
- Providing measurement and implementation support
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a leading organization dedicated to accelerating the transition to a circular economy. While they don‘t offer traditional consulting services, they provide a range of opportunities for businesses and organizations to engage with circular economy principles and practices.
Ellen MacArthur Foundation aims to catalyze systemic change towards a circular economy across industries and sectors. Their approach focuses on collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and practical implementation rather than traditional consulting services.
At the heart of the foundation’s services is its Network program. This exclusive membership offers organizations a potent mix of strategic assessments, tailored guidance, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. Members benefit from:
- In-depth company-level evaluations
- Access to cutting-edge business intelligence
- Participation in groundbreaking research projects
- A dedicated relationship manager to navigate their circular journey
Collaborative Initiatives: Strength in Numbers
Recognizing that systemic change requires collective action, the foundation facilitates:
- Multi-stakeholder projects
- Sector-specific initiatives
- The Global Commitment framework for plastic waste reduction
- These collaborations foster innovation and drive industry-wide transformations.
Sustainability Consult
Sustainability Consult is a leading communications and public relations agency specializing in sustainability and cleantech. Based in Brussels, Belgium, this forward-thinking firm has established itself as a key player in promoting sustainable business practices and environmental technologies across Europe and beyond.
Sustainability Consult stands out as a specialized communications agency that combines deep expertise in sustainability and cleantech with innovative PR and communication strategies.
Key services provided by Sustainability Consult include:
- Communications strategies development
- Media relations management
- Social media campaign execution
- Stakeholder engagement facilitation
- Credible and transparent communications guidance
- Awareness raising initiatives
- Sales and community building support
- EU policy expertise and guidance
The Circulars
The Circulars is a pioneering initiative focused on accelerating the transition to a circular economy by supporting innovative entrepreneurs and businesses. While not a traditional consulting firm, The Circulars operates as an accelerator program that provides valuable resources, mentorship, and connections to circular economy-focused startups.
The Circulars operates as an accelerator program focused on supporting and scaling circular economy innovations. Here are the key aspects of The Circulars’ offerings:
- Accelerator Program: The core offering is The Circulars Accelerator, which selects promising circular economy startups annually to participate in their program.
- Mentorship and Connections: The program connects selected entrepreneurs with industry leaders and experts to help scale their circular innovations.
- Resources and Support: Participants receive resources and support to help grow their circular economy businesses and innovations.
- Scaling Circular Solutions: The primary goal is to accelerate the scaling of circular economy solutions across various industries.
- Industry Partnerships: The Circulars collaborates with major companies like Accenture, Anglo American, Ecolab, and Amazon Web Services to provide expertise and resources to participants.
- Global Network Access: Through partnerships with UpLink and the World Economic Forum, The Circulars offers access to global networks in sustainable development.
- Annual Launch Event: Each year, The Circulars hosts an event to showcase the new cohort of startups and feature presentations from industry leaders.
- Focus on Impact: The program aims to drive significant change in the global economy by scaling circular innovations and contributing to UN Sustainability Development Goals.
Buro Happold
Buro Happold is a international engineering consultancy with a strong focus on sustainability and circular economy principles. By leveraging its multidisciplinary expertise and focusing on innovative, sustainable solutions, the company is helping clients transition towards more circular and regenerative practices in their projects and operations.
The company offers a wide range of integrated services, including engineering consultancy, design, planning, project management, and advisory services across various sectors. Happold provides a range of circular economy consulting services:
- Circular economy strategy development
- Resource, economic, and environmental diagnostics
- Materials management
- Infrastructure system circularity
- Manufacturing sector and industrial symbiosis strategies
- City and neighborhood initiatives
- Techno-economic feasibility studies
- Implementation planning and support
Closed Loop
Closed Loop is a pioneering circular economy consulting firm based in Melbourne, Australia, with over 20 years of experience in providing sustainable solutions to businesses. The company specializes in helping organizations improve their environmental impact through practical circular economy approaches tailored to their specific needs and demands.
Closed Loop offers a comprehensive range of circular economy consulting services, including:
Circular Economy Consulting: Their experienced sustainability consultants work closely with businesses to develop and implement circular economy strategies that align with operational environments and business objectives.
Waste and Resource Assessments: Closed Loop helps companies identify opportunities to transform waste into valuable resources through their network of technology partners and collection services.
Sustainable Packaging Solutions: The firm provides impactful sustainable food packaging options to enhance customer experiences while reducing environmental impact.
Food Waste Composting: Closed Loop offers advanced composting technology that can turn food waste into compost within 24 hours, a solution trusted by hundreds of clients.
Sustainable Waste Management: For events and venues, Closed Loop designs comprehensive waste management strategies to maximize recycling, reusing, composting, and donating opportunities.
Recycled Products: The company promotes the use of recycled content over virgin materials, supporting businesses that prioritize sustainability in their product development.
Bain & Company
Bain & Company is a global management consulting firm that has established itself as a leader in helping organizations navigate the complex landscape of sustainability and circular economy initiatives. With a presence in 65 cities across 40 countries, Bain has positioned itself at the forefront of assisting ambitious change-makers in redefining industries and achieving extraordinary results.
Their circular economy consulting services are designed to guide companies in developing and scaling innovative solutions that create value through circular design principles.
- Circular Design: Bain helps companies rethink their product and packaging development processes to incorporate circularity considerations from the outset.
- Waste Reduction: Strategies are developed to minimize waste throughout the value chain, improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
- Product Life Extension: Consultants work with clients to explore ways to extend product lifespans, potentially opening up new revenue streams through repair and refurbishment services.
- Remanufacturing and Recycling: Bain assists in implementing systems for effective remanufacturing and recycling, closing the loop on material flows.
Tomson Consulting
Tomson Consulting is an environmental consultancy firm that specializes in helping businesses, organizations, and individuals achieve their sustainability goals. Founded in 2016 by Faye Tomson, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for those seeking to reduce their environmental impact and create a more sustainable future.
Tomson Consulting offers a wide range of environmental consultancy services, including:
- Carbon footprint measurement and reduction strategies
- Sustainability roadmaps and action plans
- Energy management and efficiency solutions
- Low carbon project development
- Natural capital auditing
- ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) measurement
- ESOS (Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme) compliance
The company works across various sectors, including local authorities, businesses, farmers, and landowners, providing tailored solutions to meet their specific sustainability needs.
Gate C
Gate C is a specialized circular economy consulting firm that helps businesses capture value and implement sustainable practices across their operations. Founded by Rémy Le Moigne, a former Deloitte partner with extensive experience in circular economy projects, Gate C has established itself as a leading catalyst for the global transition towards a circular economy.
Gate C offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to help companies integrate circular economy principles into various aspects of their business:
Circular Strategy: Assisting companies in defining and executing robust circular economy strategies tailored to their specific needs and goals.
Circular Sourcing: Working with purchasing departments to adopt circular sourcing strategies that reduce costs, secure supplies, and conserve resources.
Circular Factory: Collaborating with production departments to maximize the value of industrial waste and improve resource efficiency.
Circular Logistics: Helping logistics departments enhance reverse logistics performance to support circular business models.
Circular Sales: Assisting sales and marketing teams in developing strategies to sell products multiple times, extending product lifecycles.
Digital Circular Economy: Bridging information gaps to enable smoother transitions toward circular business practices through digital solutions.
Circular Packaging: Guiding companies in finding alternative materials, packaging designs, or distribution models to reduce plastic consumption.
AFRY Management Consulting
AFRY Management Consulting is a global consultancy firm that specializes in addressing challenges and opportunities across various sectors, including energy, bioindustry, infrastructure, industrial, and future mobility. With a strong commitment to accelerating change towards a sustainable world, AFRY Management Consulting combines exceptional talent with innovative ideas to create value for both clients and society.
AFRY Management Consulting offers a comprehensive range of services designed to help businesses navigate complex challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities:
Strategic Advice: The firm provides expert guidance to help clients make informed decisions and develop effective strategies for long-term success.
Forward-Looking Market Analysis: AFRY’s consultants offer valuable insights into market trends and future developments, enabling clients to stay ahead of the curve.
Organizational and Digital Transformation: The company assists businesses in adapting to changing market conditions and leveraging digital technologies to enhance their operations.
M&A and Transaction Services: AFRY supports clients through mergers, acquisitions, and other complex transactions, ensuring optimal outcomes.
Sustainability Consulting: With a focus on mitigating risks and seizing opportunities in sustainability, AFRY helps businesses transform their operations to meet evolving
Alcimed
Alcimed is a pioneering consulting firm that has been at the forefront of innovation and new market development since its inception in 1993. With a strong focus on life sciences, the company has expanded its expertise to encompass a wide range of sectors, including environment and climate. As a trusted partner for organizations seeking to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability and climate-related challenges,
Alcimed offers specialized consulting services tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses and agencies in the environmental sector:
Strategic Climate Solutions: Alcimed’s provides actionable plans to mitigate environmental impacts and identify opportunities for sustainable growth in an ever-changing climate landscape.
Innovative Technology Integration: The firm excels in identifying and implementing cutting-edge technologies to reduce carbon footprints and enhance environmental performance. .
Market Analysis and Development: Leveraging their deep understanding of environmental trends, Alcimed offers valuable insights into emerging markets within the climate sector.
Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Alcimed’s consultants conduct thorough assessments of climate-related risks facing organizations. They develop comprehensive strategies to mitigate these risks and enhance resilience in the face of environmental challenges.
Policy and Regulatory Guidance: Navigating the complex web of environmental regulations can be daunting. Alcimed provides expert guidance on policy compliance and helps clients anticipate and prepare for future regulatory changes in the climate sector.
Sustainable Supply Chain Optimization: The firm assists organizations in greening their supply chains, identifying opportunities for reducing environmental impact throughout the value chain while maintaining operational efficiency.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Alcimed helps clients develop effective communication strategies to engage stakeholders on climate-related initiatives.
Customized Research and Development: With their interdisciplinary approach, Alcimed conducts tailored research to address specific climate-related challenges faced by clients.
By offering this diverse range of services, Alcimed positions itself as a one-stop shop for organizations seeking to thrive in an increasingly environmentally conscious world.
Lead the Way
The transition to a circular economy represents both a critical challenge and an unprecedented opportunity for modern businesses. Circular economy consultants are the catalysts that can turn this challenge into tangible benefits – reduced costs, increased innovation, enhanced brand value, and improved market position. The businesses that will lead tomorrow’s economy are those that embrace circular principles today, guided by the experienced hands of circular economy consultants.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the circular economy contribute to sustainability goals?
By addressing environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainability in an integrated way, the circular economy offers a comprehensive approach to achieving multiple sustainability goals simultaneously
What are some common challenges in transitioning to a circular economy
Some common challenges in transitioning to a circular economy include high upfront costs for redesigning products and processes, lack of infrastructure to support circular practices, limited consumer awareness and demand for circular products, complex global supply chains that make collaboration difficult, and organizational resistance to change.
Businesses also often face financial barriers due to uncertain returns on investment and a lack of incentives in the current economic system that still rewards linear models.
How can circular economy practices improve a company's profitability?
Circular economy practices can improve a company's profitability by reducing production costs through optimized resource use and creating new revenue streams from innovative business models like product-as-a-service, refurbishment, and recycling.
Additionally, companies adopting circular principles often see increased customer loyalty, reduced exposure to raw material price fluctuations, and potential cost savings of up to 30% over time, as they maximize the use of recovered materials and appeal to sustainability-conscious consumers
References
World Economic Forum: What is the circular economy – and why is the world less circular?
Europe.eu: Circular Economy Report
Circle Economy Foundation: The Circularity Gap Report 2024
McKinsey & Company: The circular economy and net-zero | McKinsey – McKinsey