Business Models in The Circular Economy

This book focuses on the role of corporations in the transition towards an economy that works more in line with ecological limits. It is centred on business model innovation in the context of the circular economy, which is gaining consensus across business, policy and academic circles by proposing more resource efficient industrial processes.

Filling a gap in the current literature, this book addresses the social approach to the design and use of innovative business models in the digital economy. It focuses on three areas that are of increasing importance to businesses and industry today: social issues and sustainability; digitization; and new economic business models, specifically the sharing and circular economies.

The book takes a multi-level perspective, focusing on circular business models by manufacturing industries in European small open economies. The book conceptualises circular business models and combines theoretical foundations with best practices when such models appeared in the textile, furniture, and plastics industries. It also explores barriers, drivers, challenges, and opportunities for leading manufacturing companies to implement circular activities across the value chain. This book offers a qualitative and transformative approach, spread across three different manufacturing industries, towards a circular transition. The findings will be of interest to practitioners and managers, policymakers, and general readers who are interested in the circular economy and environmental sustainability.