Learn circular principles, business models, design, reverse logistics, consumer behavior, KPIs, and policy
Did you know the global economy is only about 8.6% circular—meaning over 90% of materials still follow a “take, make, waste” path? At the same time, the world generates more than 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste each year, with costs projected to soar if we don’t change course. Resource volatility is rising, ESG expectations are tightening, and regulations like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and right-to-repair are reshaping what “good business” looks like.
What you’ll learn
- Define the circular economy and contrast it with the linear “take-make-waste” model.
- Apply the 3 circular principles to identify waste, value leaks, and regeneration opportunities.
- Select circular strategies using the R-hierarchy and ReSOLVE to prioritize highest impact.
- Evaluate circular business models (repair, resale, PaaS, recovery) for your organization.
- Design products/packaging for durability, modularity, repairability, and end-of-life recovery.
- Measure circular progress with KPIs (CMUR, return rate, diversion) and tools like MCI/CTI.
Course Content
- Introduction and Fundamentals of Circular Economy –> 3 lectures • 25min.
- Implementing Circular Economy in Business Operations –> 4 lectures • 33min.
- Advancing Circular Economy – Metrics, Policy, and Sector Applications –> 4 lectures • 36min.
- Conclusion and Next Steps –> 1 lecture • 8min.
Requirements
Did you know the global economy is only about 8.6% circular—meaning over 90% of materials still follow a “take, make, waste” path? At the same time, the world generates more than 2 billion tonnes of municipal solid waste each year, with costs projected to soar if we don’t change course. Resource volatility is rising, ESG expectations are tightening, and regulations like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and right-to-repair are reshaping what “good business” looks like.
So the real question is: how do you move beyond recycling slogans and start building circular strategies that reduce risk, cut costs, and create new value?
That’s exactly what this course is designed to help you do.
In this course, you’ll learn how to:
- Explain the circular economy clearly (and how it differs from the linear model)
- Apply the 3 core principles: design out waste, keep materials in use, and regenerate natural systems
- Use practical frameworks like the R-hierarchy and ReSOLVE to prioritize high-impact actions
- Identify and evaluate circular business models (repair/refurbishment, resale, product-as-a-service, resource recovery)
- Design products and packaging for durability, modularity, repair, disassembly, and recycling
- Build circular supply chains using reverse logistics, take-back programs, and material tracking (e.g., RFID/QR and product passports)
- Increase consumer participation with incentives, convenience, trust, and behavior-shift tactics
- Measure circular performance with KPIs like recycled content, product return rate, landfill diversion, and indicators like MCI/CTI
- Understand major policy drivers and global trends—from EU circular rules to U.S. state EPR and right-to-repair
- See circularity in action across sectors like the built environment (design for deconstruction, adaptive reuse) and technology (e-waste, refurbishment, disassembly)
By the end, you’ll be able to spot circular opportunities inside your organization, speak the language of circularity with confidence, and build an actionable starting plan—whether you’re supporting ESG reporting, leading sustainability initiatives, or influencing product and supply chain decisions.
If you want a clear, practical, business-oriented introduction to circular economy thinking—this course will give you the frameworks, examples, and next steps to start closing the loop.