The InvestCEC project aimed to develop a replicable model for implementing circular economy projects in European cities and regions. This resulted in the creation of five factsheets providing guidance on how to initiate circular economy projects at local level, with a focus on investment opportunities and barriers, solution areas and regulatory needs.
How to Initiate Circular Projects?
The factsheets 1 to 3 provide insights into investors’ expectations. This knowledge can help you tackle main barriers and boost confidence in your circular practices.
5 key principles:
1. Investors need better tools and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the viability of circular projects.
2. The transition to a circular economyThe circular economy is a restorative and regenerative economy. By maintaining the value of the products, materials and resources in the economy through smart product design, repurposing and/or shared use of products, it reduces the extraction of natural resources by using resources already present in the economy. is not only about recyclingAny recovery operation through which waste, including organic waste, is reprocessed to become substances, materials or products that can be used for their initial function or other functions. existing products. It is about redefining how businesses create value.
3. To demonstrate profitability and long-term value creation, and to build confidence, circular businesses must highlight their financial resilience, cost savings, and competitive advantages.
4. Impact investors are particularly interested in startups that align with circular economy principles and can show strong potential in terms of impact, growth and profitability.
5. Priority areas for investors include:
- digital resource tracking
- regenerative materials
- extending product lifespans
- turning waste into value
- adopting innovative business models
For more information, download the factsheets.