In the light of our reaching the planetary boundaries, it becomes increasingly evident that present linear supply chain and even sustainable supply chain operations have proven to be unable to sufficiently deal with the environmental and social challenges. The adoption of circular supply chains, however, has the potential to offer a paradigm shift by changing our understanding of value creation, business models and production processes. In the latter, circular supply chains treat waste of one party as the resource of another. Additionally, the development of business models for the circular economy such as product-service systems or collaborative consumption aims to initiate a transition to a more reflected consumer behavior as well as a changing understanding of value and value creation. This opens up new challenges to overcome, but more importantly new opportunities which will shape the business environment profoundly and successful companies will need to embrace. 

The course Circular Economy provides the students with an overview of current developments in the area of sustainability, sustainable supply chain management and circular economy. Opportunities will be discussed which arise in connection with “closing the loop” of supply chains. Among others, the students will gain in-depth knowledge on relevant business models, various stakeholders in a circular economy, and tools which facilitate the implementation of circularity. The students will be able to assess their own work environment and identify possible opportunities which arise when adopting a circular business approach.