What Circular Economy Strategies can SMEs Implement Right Now?

The circular economy (CE) offers a transformative approach to how businesses operate, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As resources become scarcer and environmental regulations tighten, SMEs face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices.

Unlike the traditional linear economy—which follows a “take, make, dispose” model—the circular economy emphasizes minimizing waste, extending product lifecycles, and reusing materials. This shift not only contributes to sustainability but also unlocks new revenue streams, improves operational efficiency, and strengthens customer loyalty.

For SMEs, adopting circular strategies can drive innovation, reduce costs, and position them as leaders in the green economy, all while aligning with emerging consumer demands for environmentally responsible products and services. In this context, SMEs can no longer view circularity as a trend but rather as a business imperative to ensure long-term competitiveness and compliance with future regulatory landscapes.

9 Key Strategies for Circular Economy

Here are 9 key strategies which we identified:

1. Design for Durability and Reusability

Designing for longevity and reusability is a key component of circularity. According to a study by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, extending a product’s life by just one year can cut its carbon footprint by 20-30%. For SMEs, this approach means focusing on modularity, repairability, and using high-quality materials. For instance, a study conducted on the furniture industry found that designing products to be modular (easily assembled and disassembled) could reduce material waste by 30% and enhance customer retention by 20%, as consumers appreciate the ability to customize or repair items rather than replace them.

Moreover, brands like Fairphone—an SME in the electronics sector—focus on creating smartphones designed for easy repair and upgrades. By making spare parts accessible and providing clear repair instructions, Fairphone has demonstrated that customer loyalty and profitability can increase through such an approach. SMEs can learn from this model, particularly in industries where product obsolescence is rapid.

2. Resource Efficiency and Waste Reduction

Waste reduction directly improves profitability by minimizing resource input costs. According to McKinsey, companies can reduce operating costs by up to 20% through lean manufacturing and resource efficiency measures. For SMEs, this could include implementing just-in-time production to reduce inventory waste, optimizing machine usage to prevent energy loss, and adopting energy-efficient technology.

An example of resource efficiency is found in the automotive SME sector, where some companies have reduced material use by 15-20% through optimized design and recycling processes. Another study by Accenture found that SMEs adopting waste valorization techniques—where waste by-products are repurposed into new products—can increase profitability by 5-10%, as the secondary use of materials reduces disposal costs and creates new revenue streams.

3. Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) Models

The “Product-as-a-Service” (PaaS) model, where companies retain ownership of products while leasing or renting them out, has been growing, with 30% of businesses indicating they are considering adopting it, according to a Deloitte survey. For SMEs, this model offers several advantages: continuous customer interaction, recurring revenue streams, and the ability to manage end-of-life recycling or refurbishment.

The Dutch company Bundles, for example, offers washing machines as a service, where customers pay per use rather than buying the machine. This allows Bundles to maintain and eventually refurbish or recycle machines. Similarly, this strategy can benefit SMEs in industries such as office equipment, machinery, and electronics, where ownership and maintenance can be more valuable than single-sale transactions. McKinsey reports that adopting such models can reduce material consumption by up to 70%, contributing to long-term sustainability and profit generation.

4. Material Circularity: Recycling and Upcycling

Integrating recycled materials into production processes is not just about reducing costs but also about meeting increasing consumer demand for sustainable products. A survey by Nielsen found that 66% of global consumers are willing to pay more for products made with sustainable materials, with this number reaching 73% among Millennials.

For SMEs, incorporating recycled materials into their product lines or using upcycled waste from other industries can create competitive differentiation. Patagonia, an outdoor clothing SME, utilizes recycled polyester from plastic bottles, demonstrating that even small companies can make impactful changes. By embedding material circularity into operations, companies can reduce raw material costs and meet growing regulatory pressures regarding waste reduction. The European Union’s Circular Economy Action Plan aims to ensure that 55% of all packaging waste is recycled by 2025, and SMEs adhering to these principles will be better positioned to comply with upcoming regulations.

5. Reverse Logistics and Take-Back Programs

Reverse logistics, or the process of retrieving products for reuse, recycling, or refurbishing, allows companies to recapture value from products at the end of their lifecycle. A study by the World Economic Forum found that companies with take-back programs experienced a 5-10% increase in brand loyalty, as customers appreciate the convenience and sustainability of such services.

For SMEs, reverse logistics can include everything from collecting packaging for reuse to retrieving electronic components for refurbishing. For instance, SMEs in the fashion industry can set up systems where customers return old clothes for recycling into new fibers. A prime example is British fashion brand Rapanui, which operates a take-back scheme where they upcycle returned clothes into new garments, reducing their overall environmental impact.

Moreover, reverse logistics helps SMEs avoid landfill fees and allows for the recovery of valuable materials that would otherwise be lost. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, proper waste management and take-back programs could save European businesses €600 billion annually.

6. Collaboration and Industrial Symbiosis

Collaboration between SMEs and other companies, governments, or even competitors is critical in implementing circular economy strategies. Industrial symbiosis, where the waste of one company becomes the input for another, can drastically reduce resource consumption. A UK-based study found that industrial symbiosis reduced operational costs by €1.3 billion and cut CO2 emissions by 42 million tonnes.

In practical terms, SMEs can engage in local collaborations where they share resources or by-products. An example is Kalundborg Symbiosis in Denmark, where several companies, including SMEs, share energy, water, and waste resources, achieving both cost savings and environmental benefits. For SMEs that lack the financial capacity for large-scale changes, collaborating with other companies in symbiotic systems allows them to collectively reap the benefits of circularity.

7. Local Sourcing and Short Supply Chains

Shortening supply chains can reduce costs, lower carbon emissions, and improve resilience in a circular economy. According to the World Economic Forum, businesses with localized supply chains reduced logistics costs by 13% and cut transportation-related emissions by up to 22%. For SMEs, sourcing materials locally not only shortens the distance that goods travel but also supports local economies and strengthens relationships with suppliers.

A good example of this is food and beverage SMEs. Companies in this sector can benefit from using local suppliers to reduce both transportation costs and spoilage, aligning with consumer preferences for locally sourced, fresh products. A report by PwC found that 41% of consumers are willing to pay more for products that support local economies. Thus, adopting short supply chains makes financial sense for SMEs and builds brand loyalty.

8. Digital Solutions for Circularity

Digital technologies enable more efficient tracking, monitoring, and management of resources, making circular strategies easier to implement. According to a survey by the World Economic Forum, digital tools such as IoT and data analytics can boost efficiency by up to 50% in resource management. For SMEs, digital solutions help track the entire lifecycle of a product, predict maintenance needs, and optimize resource use.

A practical example is Dutch SME Excess Materials Exchange, which uses blockchain to track waste and identify opportunities to repurpose or recycle materials. Through digital platforms, SMEs can not only optimize their own operations but also engage in broader circular networks, ensuring that materials are continuously reused and remain in the economy.

9. Circular Packaging

Packaging waste is one of the largest contributors to global waste production, with 40% of all plastics produced used for packaging. SMEs can make a significant impact by transitioning to circular packaging options. A study by Trivium Packaging found that 74% of consumers would pay more for sustainable packaging, offering SMEs a chance to build customer loyalty while reducing environmental impact.

Using biodegradable, compostable, or fully recyclable materials reduces the environmental burden and aligns with growing regulations. The European Union has set a target to ensure all plastic packaging is recyclable by 2030. Companies like UK-based SME, Vegware, which manufactures compostable packaging for the food industry, show that investing in circular packaging is not just a cost but a potential revenue stream, as it taps into the growing eco-conscious market.

Benefits and Challenges

Key Benefits for SMEs:

  • Cost Savings: Reduced waste, energy use, and optimized resource efficiency can improve profit margins by up to 20%.
  • Regulatory Compliance: SMEs that adopt circular economy principles are better positioned to meet upcoming sustainability regulations.
  • Customer Loyalty: Studies show that customers are more likely to support brands that engage in sustainable practices, with loyalty increasing by 10-15%.

Challenges to Consider:

  • Initial Investment: While long-term savings are clear, initial setup costs for circular systems (such as digital infrastructure or take-back programs) can be a hurdle for SMEs.
  • Market Readiness: Consumers may not always be willing to shift to circular models, especially in markets where disposable culture dominates.

No Longer just an Option for SMEs

Incorporating circular economy strategies is no longer just an option for SMEs; it’s a pathway to future-proofing their business. By embracing design for durability, resource efficiency, PaaS models, and collaboration, SMEs can significantly reduce waste, cut costs, and create more resilient business models. These strategies not only cater to the growing consumer demand for sustainable products but also ensure compliance with tightening environmental regulations.

While challenges such as initial investments and market readiness remain, the benefits—such as increased customer loyalty, operational cost savings, and new revenue streams—are substantial. In an increasingly resource-constrained world, adopting circular principles helps SMEs thrive by transforming challenges into opportunities. Ultimately, circularity offers SMEs a chance to lead in the global shift toward sustainability, ensuring they remain competitive and relevant in the years to come.