Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of the Circular Economy

• Principles of the circular economy: eliminate waste, circulate products and materials, regenerate nature.

• The business case: risk reduction, cost savings, and new revenue opportunities.

• Exercise: Mapping the linear value chain of a common product and identifying its weaknesses.

Module 2: Circular Business Models - Part 1

• Product-as-a-Service: selling performance instead of products.

• Sharing platforms: maximizing asset utilization.

• Case Study: How a company successfully implemented a product-as-a-service model.

Module 3: Circular Business Models - Part 2

• Resource recovery: creating value from waste streams.

• Product life extension: repair, remanufacturing, and refurbishment.

• Workshop: Brainstorming circular business model opportunities for a specific industry.

Module 4: Circular Design and Material Innovation

• Design for durability, repairability, disassembly, and recyclability.

• Material selection: using recycled, bio-based, and safe materials.

• Exercise: Applying circular design principles to redesign a consumer product.

Module 5: Enabling the Transition to a Circular Economy

• The role of digital technology (IoT, blockchain) in enabling circularity.

• Policy enablers: standards, procurement, and economic incentives.

• Final Project: Developing a high-level circular economy strategy for a company or product line.