Objective of the Tool
The Circular Vision Canvas helps organisations define the strategic intent of their circular economy transition. The tool supports companies in clarifying their level of ambition, identifying strategic opportunities, and positioning circularity within their broader business strategy. It enables organisations to develop a shared vision internally of how circularity contributes to long-term competitiveness, sustainability performance, and ecosystem collaboration.
What the Tool Is
The Circular Vision Canvas is a strategic reflection tool used to frame the direction and ambition of circular transformation. It helps organisations articulate what circularity means for them, identify where opportunities lie across the product lifecycle, and define how circular strategies fit with their market positioning and organisational capabilities. The canvas structures strategic discussions around ambition, value creation, ecosystem implications, risks, and capabilities required for implementation.
When to Use the Tool
The Circular Vision Canvas is particularly useful in the early stages of a circular transformation journey when organisations need to define their strategic direction. It can be used when companies are:
Exploring the strategic relevance of circular economy principles
Defining long-term circular ambitions
Aligning internal stakeholders around a shared circular vision
Identifying strategic opportunities for circular innovation
Preparing circular business model development initiatives
Connecting sustainability strategy with market positioning
How to Use the Tool
Step 1 – Define Circular Ambition: Clarify what circularity means for the organisation and the depth of transformation pursued.
Step 2 – Define the Value Creation Logic: Identify the types of value circularity is expected to generate.
Step 3 – Define Strategic Positioning: Determine how circularity supports the organisation’s competitive positioning and brand identity.
Step 4 – Identify Circular Opportunities: Explore which lifecycle phases offer the greatest circular innovation potential.
Step 5 – Define Transformation Scope: Identify the organisational scale of change required.
Step 6 – Analyse Ecosystem Implications: Identify external actors and partnerships required for circular transformation.
Step 7 – Identify Risks and Tensions: Surface internal and external constraints that may challenge the circular transition.
Step 8 – Identify Capabilities and Enablers: Assess which organisational capabilities and technological enablers are required.
Step 9 – Define Success Criteria: Establish how progress and impact will be measured over time.
