Transitioning to a circular system starts by realizing that you are part of an ecosystem and therefore your individual and organizational behavior needs to adjust and align with this reality. This key area elaborates on the contribution we can make to the ecosystem(s) that we are part of, pathways of innovating the ecosystem, and adding unique value to its flows of materials and energy, knowledge, and (economic) value.

Entire supply chains are transforming to shift from linear to fully circular and every single actor can actively contribute to accelerate the transition. This key area highlights the choices one has in taking and stretching the responsibilities in the value chain, both down- and upstream. Examples of such responsibilities are provided in three categories: Circular design choices, true prices of circular products or services, and a waste-free economy.

Systemic change is possible with proper governance in place and if embraced on a global scale. Despite existing barriers to global collaboration to accelerate the CE transition, this key area elaborates on the profound benefits for all actors involved once setting up collaborations in favor of a CE.

Relevant manufacturing information of a single product or service alone does not provide the required insights to monitor our progress towards a global CE. This key area expresses the need and benefits for a standardized manner of capturing data in all business processes (including design, usage, and end-of-life scenarios) to understand if we succeed in eliminating waste and pollution, circulating products and materials at their highest value, and regenerating nature (the three core principles of a CE).

In the current linear economy, value loss takes place at a large scale. Avoiding this requires a new approach to the creation, capturing, and retaining of value. This key area dives into the concept of value in (pre- and post-) usage phases of a product or service and how to apply related conceptual frameworks in practice.

CE offers a tremendous (economic) opportunities in the long-term. However, short-term objectives and metrics still lead most decision makers today. This key area elaborates on linear risks versus circular opportunities to boost economies, spur innovation and translate circular ambitions into measurable KPIs.

The current lack of consensus across relevant circular measurement frameworks, together with the ever-increasing demands from stakeholders (including planet Earth) creates a challenging environment for businesses. This key area dives into existing tools for measuring success, and what information organizations will need to provide to comply with (reporting) standards.

The concept of CE implies a systematic and fundamental shift from linear growth. Even though the principles of a CE are clear, the roadmap to getting there might change over time. This key area highlights the importance of continuous improvements made in all seven areas mentioned above to quickly adapt to new developments in this field and remain competitive.