Circonnect makes improved Circular Potential Methodology open source available

To better understand where the greatest opportunities lie for a circular economy in the Netherlands, Circonnect is making the Circular Potential Methodology (CPM) open source available. The methodology shows where in product chains and sectors the most circular gains can be made - and the factors that determine whether that potential is actually exploited. 

From research tool to practical tool

The methodology was originally developed as a research tool by TNO to quantify the circular potential of the Dutch economy. Earlier this year, the central government worked on the new goals of the National Program for the Circular Economy (NPCE) in a goal-setting process; here the CPM was used as an analysis framework.

The methodology determines the theoretical circular potential of products based on product properties. Until now, all these properties counted equally, but this did not always lead to realistic results. This is especially true in sectors such as food & agriculture or chemicals & pharmaceuticals in the case of consumable products, such as lubricating oils, dyes and colorants, preservatives and fertilizers.

Therefore, KplusV, commissioned by Circonnect, has further developed the CPM into a practical tool in recent months. Two circular strategies have been added (behavioral change and efficiency) and a distinction has been made between high-quality and regular recycling, giving a more realistic picture of environmental impact and value creation. The product features have also been updated based on recent market data so that the results are more in line with current practice.

Where the gains can be made

The CPM combines data, expert knowledge and mathematical models to calculate what is technically possible and what of it can be realized in practice.

Based on 13 product attributes - such as longevity, modularity, complexity and recycling value - the tool shows where circular improvements have the most impact. It also depicts what drivers, such as policy, innovation or consumer behavior, are needed to harness this potential.

The methodology identifies six strategies for circular progress:

1. More intensive use - use products and materials more efficiently.
2. Life extension - encourage maintenance, reuse and repair.
3. Substitution - replacing primary raw materials with secondary or bio-based raw materials.
4. High-quality recycling - reusing materials to the highest possible value.
5. Behavior change - less material use through different consumption behavior.
6. Efficiency improvement - optimizing processes to save resources.

Applying these strategies within a product group creates a coherent picture of the circular potential for the Dutch economy.

Open knowledge for circular acceleration

By making the CPM open source available, Circonnect is making the methodology widely accessible to industry organizations, product teams and others working on Roadmaps for various sectors and product groups.

"The strength of this methodology is that it provides insight into where the greatest potential lies," says Iris Grobben, Circonnect program manager. "By making this promising analysis tool openly available, we can start using it more broadly and with even more partners to unlock the circular potential within their product group."

In the coming period, the CPM will be applied within various Circonnect activities and tested and refined with partners. Later this month, the CPM will be released as an open source tool, allowing organizations to determine where within their product group or sector there is the most potential - and which concrete projects can capitalize on it.

"The CPM provides insight into the potential of different circular strategies for your own sector and offers tools to reach concrete and achievable goals," said Jeannette Levels-Vermeer (Sector Expert on Manufacturing & Construction - Circonnect).

Also working with the Circular Potential Methodology?

Want to apply the CPM together with Circonnect to determine the circular potential of your product group and formulate concrete next steps? Contact Program Manager Iris Grobben at iris@circonnect.org.

The development of the Circular Potential Method was funded in part by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management. This further development and wide availability of the CPM is funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs.