米国調査会社ナビガントリサーチ（Navigant Research）の調査レポート「製造業の近代化における循環経済（サーキュラーエコノミー）ソリューション」は、製造業における循環型経済ソリューションとその将来性について論じている。通常の製品バリューチェーンと異なる循環型経済ソリューションの特徴や、戦略的あるいは運用上の優位点についても記載している。事業戦略や運用における助言も記載している。循環経済への様々な経路を示すことで、製造企業は最適なアプローチを選択することができるだろう。

Circular economy solutions are often positioned as enabling manufacturers to achieve cost efficiencies and facilitate product innovation while reducing the carbon footprint of operations and products. The manufacturing industry faces increasing cost pressures and heightened risk exposure from commodity price volatility, customer preferences, regulatory environments, and geopolitical conditions. Circular economy represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the manufacturing industry. Companies should take advantage of the compelling strategic and operational benefits that circular economy principles offer.

Adopting a circular economy model represents a fundamental shift from a linear value system. It can increase manufacturers’ exposure to risks but presents an opportunity for positive economic growth combined with positive environmental social impact. This report outlines the fundamental concepts within the circular economy, details potential business strategies and practices that manufacturing companies can adopt, and provides recommendations for companies taking their initial forays in this area.

This Strategy Insight report by Navigant Research, a Guidehouse company, discusses circular economy solutions and their potential. The study details how circular economy solutions differ from other value product chains, and the strategic and operational advantages these solutions offer. It includes recommendations of business strategies and other operational changes. Increasing awareness of the various pathways to the circular economy best enables manufacturing companies to pick and choose the optimal approach.