Circular solutions tackle biodiversity loss and unlock business growth – see Europe’s top 30 list

The pioneering list of Europe’s top 30 circular solutions for nature showcases practical examples of circular business models that tackle biodiversity loss and generate new business. The list was published at the World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF2024), which started in Brussels on Monday 15 April.

“Companies are starting to see the potential for tackling biodiversity loss through circular solutions, but there is little information out there to help guide them. That’s why we need inspiring examples and action-oriented guidance,” says Senior Lead Riku Sinervo, co-lead for the list at Sitra.

A report published in 2022 by Sitra showed that the circular economy plays an essential role in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. However, only a few tangible circular business solutions for nature have gained visibility – until now.

The ongoing loss of biodiversity has far-reaching impacts on our economy, health and well-being. Biodiversity loss is also a significant business risk. On the other hand, tackling biodiversity loss with circular solutions opens up new business opportunities and helps manage risks and build resilience.

Impressive range of companies and creative solutions that generate value

The circular economy eases the pressure we put on nature by unlocking more value from existing resources. This reduces the need for new natural resources, leaving more room for nature to thrive. 

The companies on the list represent sectors that play a vital role in tackling biodiversity loss, in particular in the food and agriculture, buildings and construction, fibres and textiles, and forest sectors.

“Two things have stood out to us: First, the range of companies driving change, from the very small to the very large. Second, the range of creative solutions that create value in new, less extractive ways is quite impressive,” says Circular Economy Specialist Tim Forslund, co-lead for the list at Sitra.

The list includes companies from eight European countries: Denmark, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, the UK, the Netherlands, Belgium and Greece. Some of the companies on the list will present and pitch their solutions at WCEF2024. These include:

• Corbion, a listed Dutch company working on setting science-based targets for nature, and at the same time showing that concrete action need not wait for perfect information. For example, they are already developing algae-based substitutes for fish oil produced from the world’s depleted fish stocks.
• Parmaco Group from Finland leases modular buildings and ensures they have a continuous life cycle, resulting in less land use, with fewer idle buildings and less need for building materials.
• Colorifix from the UK mimics the natural coloration processes of the living world through DNA sequencing and synthetic biology, thereby significantly reducing the pollution associated with traditional textile dyeing methods.

Companies were sought through an open call for applications. The 30 companies selected for the final list were assessed based on their circular business model and economic viability, along with their track record and potential for contributing to safeguard biodiversity. The assessment was carried out by experts from Sitra and consulting partner KPMG. The list did not seek to assign rankings to the companies.

Sitra unveils guidance for circular business models at WCEF2024

Sitra also released a groundbreaking handbook  at WCEF2024, offering businesses a first-of-its-kind structured approach to integrating circular business models to tackle biodiversity loss.

The guide outlines a three-step strategy for businesses to identify and mitigate their biodiversity impacts through circular solutions. Tailored for key sectors like food and agriculture, construction, textiles and the forest sector, it presents six circular business models for effective action. This essential handbook empowers companies across all sectors to contribute to safeguarding biodiversity and unlocking new opportunities for value creation.

“With circular solutions, businesses can take action for nature. Many of the solutions can be implemented right away, so there’s no need to wait,” says Riku Sinervo.

European policymakers can pave the way for the transition to a circular economy. Sitra has suggested in a memorandum that the EU should make the single market circular. That would enable companies to scale up their innovative solutions across Europe, fostering economic growth while leaving more space for nature to thrive.

The World Circular Economy Forum (WCEF) creates a new economy, businesses and jobs, by leveraging circular solutions to solve the planetary crises. Since 2017, the forum has gathered forward-looking thinkers and doers to showcase and enact the world’s leading circular economy solutions. WCEF is a global initiative of Finland and Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund. WCEF2024 is organised by Sitra and produced with Circle Economy Foundation (programme partner) and the International Resource Panel (science partner), in close collaboration with international partner organisations.