EY at the CVC 2026
The transition to a circular economy poses challenges for many companies. However, neither radical changes nor high investments are necessary. EY uses a practical 5-step model to show how companies can successfully implement circular principles: from analysing the product portfolio to developing a pilot project and scaling it up.
A circular business model in 5 steps
The introduction of circular principles and an iterative and lean approach can be combined in a pragmatic pilot project for a circular business model. Our approach shows that no radical change and no investments in the billions are required to embark on the path to circular transformation.
During implementation, a five-stage approach has proven to be particularly promising – here in a simplified and abridged version:
STEP 1: Understand the product and service portfolio
The analysis of the product and service portfolio begins with a reverse design process. Products are examined on four levels:
- STRUCTURE,
- FUNCTION,
- SKIN, and
- TECHNOLOGICAL PLATFORM.
STEP 2: Prioritize products for the transition to circularity
The conceptual breakdown of each product into four levels and the examination from different perspectives allow for an investigation of the current use of products throughout their lifecycle, as well as consideration of the quantity and distribution of products and resources in circulation. Based on this, a circularity assessment can be determined for each product.
STEP 3: Define pilot program
Based on the prioritization of products or product lines suitable for a test run with a circular business model, a pilot program is designed. The focus is on a clear business case and a corresponding simulation to establish relevant hypotheses that will be validated in the subsequent pilot phase. Ideally, three different pilot programs are simulated for the three most promising products identified in Steps 1 and 2.
STEP 4: Execute pilot project
In Step 4, the details of the execution are determined, starting with a clear definition of success criteria and objectives. By establishing the goals of the pilot program early on, data-driven analyses and decision-making processes can be realized during and after the pilot phase.
STEP 5: Learn, repeat, and scale
Such a pilot project provides the best conditions to learn about the circular approach, to repeat it, and to apply the insights and methods gained to other product lines. It also serves as the starting point for designing new circular products.
The circular economy begins with making the right decisions in the here and now. Our partner and exhibitor EY offers expert support for your transformation to a circular economy.
At the Carbon2Chem® stand B03 in the expo area of the Circular Valley Convention 2026, you can take the opportunity to discuss concrete strategies for implementing circular business models with experts and learn more about the Carbon2Chem® joint project.
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