Supply chain and the circular economy

Many organizations follow renewable guidelines to bolster their sustainability agenda. Despite these efforts, they still find themselves contending with the daily reality of an overstressed planet. Though renewable actions can extend the life span of a resource, there is still a clear endpoint in mind. “Circular” keeps a resource’s life span rolling forward. When created with circularity in mind, there isn’t a pre-determined endpoint to a resource’s usefulness. This distinction is gaining acceptance, and how well institutions are applying it may determine what kind of world there will be in 2050 and beyond. Rather than continuing the status quo, organizations can redefine their understanding of what is possible and architect a path toward a more sustainable future that gets better with each new generation.

Circular systems differ from today’s definition of renewable ones because they adhere to three recognized principles:

1. Design out waste and pollution
2. Circulate products and materials in a way that perserves value
3. Regenerate nature

What it takes

Deloitte Risk & Financial Advisory teams do more than provide the services that help make circular a reality. We are active in the ecosystems that drive these ideas forward, through our memberships, alliances, and visible presence at leading circularity forums. It’s part of our vision of interconnectedness that encompasses public-private collaboration and better vision and understanding across complex value chains.

How to begin

If you have questions about the ways understanding connected systems can help advance circularity in your organization’s work—of if you’d like to know more about the ways Deloitte can help—we’re ready to talk. Please connect with one of our leaders or use the form at the bottom of this page to subscribe for future updates and information.