Circular Business
Models
Circular
Pivot
Materials
Waste
Management
Trick
Bag
100

Netflix and Spotify are among the most popular examples of Circular Economy business model. Define the business model in which Netflix and Spotify operate.

Product-as-a-Service model

100

What is the wise pivot? 

The wise pivot is a pragmatic approach for companies to reinvent themselves and transition from a linear to a circular business in an era of disruption.

100

Why are critical raw materials essential? 

These materials are essential due to their unique properties, irreplaceability, and high economic significance

100

In 2023, Singapore's domestic recycling rate was 15%. Since 2022, the recycling rate has (blank).

decreased

100

What are the 3 principles of circular economy? 

  • Regenerate nature.
  • Eliminate waste.
  • Eliminate pollution
200

An agricultural company has developed its own harvesting equipment that simultaneously cuts sugar canes and shreds by-products to return them back to the soil, thus enhancing soil and avoiding the need for costly chemicals. Where on the butterfly diagram would this example fit best?

Biological Cycle

200

What are the four dimensions of circular transformation? 

  • Operations
  • Product and Services
  • Culture and Organization
  • Ecosystem
200

The Material Criticality Assessment for the European Union's Critical Raw Materials (EU CRMs) indicates...

LREEs have the largest supply risk

Tungsten has the highest economic importance

An example of a material circularity assessment

200

What type of waste are vaccine needles used during a flu vaccination event classified as?

Hazardous waste

200

A company has developed a process to reprocess scrap magnets (found in a range of products from consumer goods to automobiles) into different types of magnets. Where on the butterfly diagram would this example fit best?

Recycling

300

Irreplaceable batteries in technology products such as mobile phones are an example of 

Functional Obsolescence

300

Joan is planning to conduct a value analysis for her company. What four dimensions should she consider?

  • Cost Savings
  • Brand Enhancement
  • Revenue Generation 
  • Risk Reduction
300

How does increased complexity in products relate to materials? 

As products have become more complex - the number of elements from the periodic table that are used to make some of our contemporary products has increased tremendously. One benefit is more efficient products while a challenge is more difficulty in sourcing materials. 

300

Provide an example of extended producer responsibility implemented in Singapore  

Singapore's e-waste program

300

After their first lifecycle, the residual value of complex medical equipment is still high and can be exploited by refurbishing the equipment. This is an example of what type of value? 

Sourcing Value

400

Name which R strategies extend the lifespan of products and their parts? 

Repair, refurbish, remanufacture, and repurpose.

400

Distinguish between the Traditional Value Creation and Sustainable Value Creation.

Traditional Value Creation

  • Value is determined by customers' willingness to pay, generating benefits and revenue for the business.
  • Limits value creation to benefits for customers and the business only.

Sustainable Value Creation (SVC)

  • Defined as the promise of economic, environmental, and social benefits delivered by the business.
  • Involves contributions to all dimensions of sustainable development (environmental, social, and economic)
400

What is the difference between a closed loop and an open loop system? 

In an open-loop system, waste from one industry is repurposed as raw material for another industry. In a closed-loop system, waste from a product is collected and recycled to create the same type of product again.

400

What are the four key steps Shein should consider to transform their waste management system?

  1. Waste Reduction: Minimize the amount of waste generated during operations.
  2. Proper Disposal: Implement systems to ensure waste is disposed of responsibly.
  3. Environmentally Friendly Waste Disposal: Use eco-friendly methods for disposing of hazardous waste.
  4. Adopting Circular Models: Embrace circular economy principles to keep products at their highest value for as long as possible.
400

Explain the S aspect of a PESTLE analysis and give an example of a factor. 

The S in PESTLE analysis stands for Social factors. These refer to the cultural, demographic, and societal trends that can influence a business or organization. Social factors include population growth, age distribution, lifestyle changes, consumer attitudes, education levels, and cultural norms.

500

Briefly discuss how the Product-as-a-Service business model increases circularity within a particular industry

  • Subscription Model: Customers pay a subscription fee for product usage rather than owning it.
  • Ownership Retained: Provider retains ownership of the product throughout its lifecycle.
  • Provider Responsibility: Design, maintenance, reuse, remanufacture, and recycling managed by the provider.
  • Performance Focus: Shift from maximizing sales volume to enhancing performance and product longevity.
  • Material Cost Savings: Provider retains control of materials, reducing material costs.
  • Usage Insights: Providers gain better insights into product usage patterns.
  • Enhanced Circularity: Providers are incentivized to ensure safer, more circular product disposal.
500

Describe Environmental Value and explain how a business can capture and benefit from this value.

Environmental Value is the benefit a business gains from sustainable practices that reduce its ecological impact. Businesses can capture this value by:

  • Operations: Enhancing efficiency through practices like carbon footprint reduction.
  • Products/Services: Offering eco-friendly options to attract customers.
  • Culture/Organization: Fostering a sustainability-focused culture to engage stakeholders.
  • Ecosystem: Building relationships with external partners to strengthen reputation and influence
500

The complexity of raw material access is a multifaced issue that encompasses many challenges and considerations, impacting industries, economies, and global supply chains. List and briefly describe FIVE complexities. 

  • Geopolitical Dependency: Reliance on a few sources for critical raw materials creates vulnerability to disruptions from geopolitical tensions, trade conflicts, or export restrictions.
  • Resource Depletion: Limited availability of raw materials due to depletion increases competition and costs.
  • Environmental Impact: Extraction and processing of materials raise significant environmental and social concerns, necessitating sustainable practices.
  • Supply Chain Risks: Global supply chains face disruption risks from natural disasters, political conflicts, and economic crises, leading to shortages and price volatility.
  • Market Dynamics: Demand and price fluctuations influence material availability, with high demand straining supplies and low demand reducing production.
  • Conflict Minerals: Ethical issues arise with materials linked to conflict financing and human rights abuses, complicating sourcing efforts.
  • Regulatory Hurdles: Compliance with government regulations and trade policies adds complexity to accessing raw materials.
  • Technological Dependence: Industries reliant on unique material properties face challenges in developing substitutes.
  • Circular Economy: Recycling and secondary material use require substantial investment in infrastructure.
  • Global Trade Impacts: Economic and trade fluctuations, including tariffs and disputes, disrupt material access.
  • Transparency Needs: Verifying responsible sourcing through traceability is challenging but essential to address ethical concerns.
500

What are the three common methods of waste disposal, and how do each of them work? 

Common waste disposal methods include incineration, landfilling, and recycling. Incineration burns waste to reduce its volume and toxicity. Landfilling involves burying waste to avoid contamination. Recycling takes waste and turns it into new products.

500

In the fashion industry, rivalry in the industry is high. What does this mean, and why is this the case?  

  • High Competition: Many brands compete for market share, making it hard for one to dominate.
  • Constant Innovation & Marketing: Brands invest in innovation and aggressive marketing to attract customers.
  • Price Wars: Intense rivalry leads to price competition.
  • Low Barriers to Entry: New brands can easily enter the market.
  • Fast-Changing Trends: Companies must frequently update collections to stay relevant
M
e
n
u