Regenerative Practices in Circular Economy SMEs
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55845/QOPR9934Keywords:
Circular economy, business models, regeneration, net-zero, sustainability, triple bottom lineAbstract
Circular economy (CE) companies have increasingly adopted business models that strive to balance economic, social, and environmental value creation. As a result, sustainable business models within the CE domain have gradually evolved to incorporate regenerative elements. However, the concept of regeneration remains ambiguous in the context of CE, particularly regarding how regenerative business models differ from sustainable and circular ones. This paper aims to identify and describe the key elements of regenerative business models implemented by CE companies. It presents a multiple case study of five Finnish SMEs operating within the CE domain, all of which follow regenerative principles. The theoretical framework is based on three primary business model types: circular, sustainable, and regenerative. The findings reveal that these companies generate clearly positive impacts on both societal and planetary well-being. Notably, a positive impact on nature is central to the business models of all case companies. The paper also outlines several policy implications derived from the case analysis.
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