The Circular Economy

Understand how circular economy principles reshape business strategy and practice.

The Circular Economy by Suzanne Smit and Uthayasankar Sivarajah is a practical and theory-informed textbook for postgraduate and final-year undergraduate students studying Circular Economy, Sustainable Business and related business and management courses. Aligned with contemporary module outcomes, it addresses why circular economy thinking is essential for modern business and how organizations can embed sustainability across core functions.

The textbook examines how businesses can plan, implement and manage circular transitions by integrating circular economy principles, metrics and decision-making frameworks into everyday business activity. Structured around four interrelated stages, it explores strategic planning, resource organization, leadership and control mechanisms that enable organizations to move from linear to circular models. Real-world examples from Ikea, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, The Guararapes Group and Flying Tiger demonstrate how circular strategies are applied in practice across industries and regions.

This textbook includes:
- A four-part framework covering planning, organizing, leading and controlling circular economy initiatives
- Clear explanations of circular economy theories, strategies and performance metrics
- Application of circular principles to finance, operations, supply chain management and business storytelling
- Real-world examples illustrating how organizations manage circular transitions
- Online resources including lecturer slides and a lecturer's manual

Whether studying sustainable business or preparing for roles in strategy, operations or sustainability, this textbook equips students with the knowledge and practical insight needed to support and lead circular transformation in organizations.