CIRcularity metrics in business KPIs – pilot studies

The project aim was to develop and test a robust set of circularity indicators applicable to a wide array of circular business models and products. We helped firms build circular offers, monitor their progress and integrate circular economy (CE) indicators into existing KPIs. We tested CE indicators in realistic pilot cases and facilitated communication and showcasing of circular products and offers.

The project was built on previous, successful projects on circularity indicators conducted by RISE, which had already tested a product-level circularity indicator with 18 firms and compared it with Life-Cycle Assessment indicators for products, demonstrating a positive correlation (r≈0.87) between circularity and environmental performance. However, there was a need for tested tools that measure more aspects of circular flows, often already at the design stage, streamlined and integrated for ease of use. The project addressed such a gap.

RISE and IVL worked closely with two Swedish firms pioneering in circularity monitoring: Humlegården Fastigheter AB, a real-estate company from Stockholm which tested and applied a comprehensive set of CE indicators to design, renovation and maintenance of a circular office space; and Kinnarps AB, an office furniture and workplace design company which applied CE indicators to a pilot product line and tested integration of CE indicators into Kinnarp’s environmental performance indicators. The project has the potential of driving Swedish companies to become the real and verifiable leaders in a global transition to a circular economy. Our aim is to create a ripple effect for Swedish industry by showcasing best practices in circularity monitoring.