Business Models for a Circular Economy - A case study of Gabriel Holding A/S

Ramos Li, Monica Anai

4. semester

Joint European Master in Environmental Studies - Cities and Sustainability (JEMES CiSu)

2016

2016-06-09

61 pages

As population increases, raising the pressure over the environment, solutions for a more sustainable economic growth are required. Circular economy is an economic model that has been gaining attention in the last years. It aims to reduce the input of raw materials and output of waste to the environment by closing economic and ecological loops of resources. This is particularly important for urban areas as most of the world population is moving to cities, where most of the resources are consumed and economic activities take place. Moreover, cities offer the opportunity to create synergies within the economy to increase resource efficiency due to the high density of people and stakeholders. In this context, the thesis research focus on closing material loops from a business perspective through circular business models. A case study of Gabriel Holding A/S is analysed to assess how a company could adapt their current (linear) business model to a circular one. The results provide circular business models for FurnMaster business unit, which could potentially close material and economic loop in the furniture sector, by maintenance, refurbishment, and recycling or cascading of furniture/furniture parts, while creating value for the company and their customers.

circular economy ; furniture ; business model

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