Fundamentals of Circular Economies

Course Overview

Circular Economies have, for some time, been acknowledged as being an integral and essential part of socio-economic systems’ evolution to a truly sustainable future. In recent years, circularity has been increasing in both business models and in regulation, e.g. the proscription of single use plastics and the “Right to Repair” in the European Union (EU) as incumbent linear models based around “Take-Make-Waste” processes come under increasing scrutiny, particularly with respect to localised pollution and “planetary boundaries” constraints that may render them unsustainable due to the rapidly shrinking availability – and cost – of virgin materials.

This intensive programme provides delegates with a strong understanding of the nature of Circular Economies and the imperatives behind the transition from Linear Economic models. It examines the challenges and opportunities for high impact product value chain participants such as packaging, textiles, construction and food and the potential evolutionary paths for Circular Economies going forward.

The programme concludes with a review of the implications for banks of the transition to Circular Economies in terms of new financing models such as those extending physical assets lives via leasing facilities and structured finance as well as the evolution of supply chain finance more generally.