SCIENCE PARK BORÅS’

Circularity Checklist

© Birgitta Losman, Science Park Borås Science Park Borås fosters an innovative ecosystem that nurtures, supports, and advances circular innovations and business models. To gauge the circularity of a product or service, we've devised a 10-point checklist with key questions that help evaluate a solution's circular impact.

1. DEFINING CIRCULARITY:

What does circular economy mean in the context of the product or service? How many loops are involved, and what happens to the materials and products after their usage or contract expiration?

2. TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY:

How can we describe the shift from a linear to a circular model? Circularity transcends mere incremental changes - what makes this solution transformative? Who should do what and when?

3.

PROFITABLE & SCALABLE BUSINESS MODEL:

How will the solution generate profit? Is it a smallscale operation or designed for large-scale implementation? Can it be scaled up?

4. WINNERS & LOSERS:

Who benefits or suffers economically, socially, and ecologically from the circular transition? Consider internal and external stakeholders, as well as local, national, and global implications.

5.

IDENTIFYING UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES:

Does the proposed solution lead to increased energy consumption, transportation, management of dangerous chemicals or other undesirable effects?

6. MATERIAL FLOWS: How does the solution impact the supply and demand of materials? Does it reduce the extraction of virgin materials? What are the transportation implications for material flows?

7.

GLOBAL CONSUMPTION PRESSURE:

Does the solution help decrease per capita consumption in countries with high consumption levels? Conversely, does it enable increased consumption for those who need to raise their consumption levels?

8.

BALANCING CONFLICTING OBJECTIVES: What conflicts of objectives exist, and howare they addressed? For instance, is there a clash between economic profitability and short-term sustainability? Does the solution disproportionately benefit affluent individuals while adversely affecting vulnerable populations socially, ecologically, or economically?

9.

REGULATORY & POLICY CHANGES: Are changes in regulations or policies necessary to enable the solution's success within the economy? Can the product or service still operate under existing regulations while awaiting improvements? Are there competitive advantages in investing now, before the enactment of new laws and regulations?

10.

MONITORING CIRCULAR SOLUTION IMPACTS:

How are the economic, social, and ecological effects of the circular solution assessed? What metrics can be used to measure these impacts? How are short-term and long-term consequences evaluated, and which stakeholders are affected?