How to Make the Circular Pivot

Abstract

To scale circular economy initiatives as a competitive asset, companies must learn to perform a “wise pivot.” Becoming a leading circular organization requires maturity along four dimensions: Operations, Products & Services, Culture & Organization, and Ecosystem. To progress successfully, companies must look inward and outward across the value chain and external ecosystem. Organizations need to understand where they fall within the four stages of the maturity journey: emerging (just starting out on the circular journey), established (part-way through, with some substantial wins), leading (corporate strategy has pivoted toward circularity), and ultimate (transforming value chains for a net positive environmental impact). While companies might tend to focus on areas within their immediate control, it is crucial to consider all four dimensions holistically due to their interdependencies.