Measure circular economy

What is measured is managed. And with important, trendy, and complex phenomena like circular transitions the need for measurement increases. At RISE we are leading at measuring the circular economy. We have helped dozens of companies implement and evaluate circularity metrics. We have produced early, well-cited research papers on the topic. We have helped our partners realise large circular deals with the help of circular indicators. We have measured how consumers willingness-to-pay change with circular indicator values. We are involved in international standarization work on circularity indicators. We give advice to national agency for circular economy (Delegationen för cirkulär ekonomi) on the topic of measuring the circular economy.

At the organisational level circularity indicators enable already implemented management systems to catalyse the change - bringing the full power of continuous improvement to bear on circular transitions. This enables the transition of the topic from a question of innovation driven by visionary leadership into a process driven evolution. So that everyone can participate and help drive the change.

• Example: In the project TRACE 3 we tested prototype indicators from the coming circular economy ISO standard. In the projects TRACE1 and TRACE2 we have worked with several firms and reviewed how circularity indicators can integrate into ISO-14000-based management systems (specifically the circularity indicator "C-metric")

At the market level, circularity indicators enable demand for circular offerings (e.g. through procurement). This really matters for the circular transition, since it turns circular economy performance a dimension on which firms compete. Market competition drives innovation.

• Example: In the project measuring business model circularity, we have measured how consumers are affected by product ads with print circularity scores.

At the knowledge level, circularity indicators contribute to reduce the buzz, fads and cheap talk related to the circular economy. The circular economy concept has become a hot and trendy management topic, while covering a very complex phenomenon with a high rate of innovation and new research. There is significant risk of the creation of myths, poorly supported claims and sometimes even opportunistic lies from many actors. Circularity measurements enable us to talk about and get clear answers to circular economy questions.

• Example: In the project measuring product circularity, we showed that circular product actually usually have a lower environmental burden than other comparable products.

When needed, we also sell measurement of circular economy performance as a quick, clear and comparatively simple service. Though we prefer to open up the conversation to establish a mutual partnership for a longterm profitable circular transition. Especially when it includes applied research projects about what is special about your industry when it comes to performance comparisons, and how you best can develop your circular performance.