Circular economy's role in waste reduction and new business generation

• Autor(a) principal: Moura, Paolla Bedard de Souza
• Data de Publicação: 2023
• Tipo de documento: Dissertação
• Idioma: eng
• Título da fonte: Repositório Científico de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (Repositórios Cientìficos)
• Texto Completo: http://hdl.handle.net/10071/29592
• topic: Sustentabilidade -- Sustainability; Economia circular - Circular economy; Waste management; Product-as-a-service; Eco-innovations; Business opportunities; Gestão de resíduos; Produto como serviço; Eco inovações; Oportunidades de negócio

Trends in customer behaviour, the risk of supply chain disruption due to resource scarcity, rapid technological advances, and the watchful eye of governments and investors on companies' environmental performance are forcing them to adopt alternative and more sustainable business models. This drive has given rise to several concepts, including the Circular Economy, which aims to optimise the use of resources by creating closed material loops. Numerous strategies can lead to a so-called closed material loop. Still, effective waste management measures and the ability to constantly innovate are critical success factors in this area. Based on the practical example of the actions taken by Signify, a company operating in the lighting sector, this pedagogical case study aims to illustrate the positive impacts of applying the circular approach in a real-world context. Signify's methodology to create long-term value is heavily influenced by circular principles, such as product-as-a-service and designing for recyclability through improved reverse logistics channels and involving various stakeholders in the innovation process. In this way, the company can manage its waste efficiently, launch new products in line with the latest customer trends, and take advantage of business opportunities from its market approach.