The Circular Economy concept as the key to Sustainable Development: Finnish approach
Pasynkova, Alena (2018)
Savonia-ammattikorkeakoulu
2018
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018052410113
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018052410113
Tiivistelmä
This thesis is about the circular economy concept as a new industrial revolution that aims to reduce the input of raw materials and output of waste to the environment by closing economic and ecological loops of resources. The purpose of the research is to explore and to show the reader the path of the circular economy concept implementation into Finnish business and the contribution of this concept to the sustainable development.
This work describes the sustainable development opportunities within the circular economy concept mainly in Finn-ish region, but some examples from European Union are taken into account. The theoretical part of the thesis clarifies the phenomenon of the circular economy, the history of the concept development, different applicable business models, and opportunities for the world’s progress.
The research part of the thesis explores the barriers, scenarios of possible transformation, and perspectives that companies meet in the circular economy implementation process for its potential strategic sustainable development. The central methodology for the research is the qualitative in-depth expert interviews. The five personal interviews were conducted with experts from Finnish companies such as Gasum Oy, EntoCube Oy, Ethica Oy, CLIC Innovation Oy, and Bionova Oy, which work and develop within the framework of this concept. These circular economy companies are leading in the Finnish industry. The experts were selected on the basis of their experience, implemented projects and scope of professional activities.
The study revealed high prospects for the circular economy development both in Finland and throughout the world. For many experts, this concept is relatively new but has already been studied enough for its application. The main driving force for development was the correct cooperation of all sectors of the economy, such as society, business, and the public sector. Government regulations and the general public awareness is the driving factor for expanding the application of the concept. This study shows the possibilities for new or existing companies to move to the circular economy based on real examples.
This work describes the sustainable development opportunities within the circular economy concept mainly in Finn-ish region, but some examples from European Union are taken into account. The theoretical part of the thesis clarifies the phenomenon of the circular economy, the history of the concept development, different applicable business models, and opportunities for the world’s progress.
The research part of the thesis explores the barriers, scenarios of possible transformation, and perspectives that companies meet in the circular economy implementation process for its potential strategic sustainable development. The central methodology for the research is the qualitative in-depth expert interviews. The five personal interviews were conducted with experts from Finnish companies such as Gasum Oy, EntoCube Oy, Ethica Oy, CLIC Innovation Oy, and Bionova Oy, which work and develop within the framework of this concept. These circular economy companies are leading in the Finnish industry. The experts were selected on the basis of their experience, implemented projects and scope of professional activities.
The study revealed high prospects for the circular economy development both in Finland and throughout the world. For many experts, this concept is relatively new but has already been studied enough for its application. The main driving force for development was the correct cooperation of all sectors of the economy, such as society, business, and the public sector. Government regulations and the general public awareness is the driving factor for expanding the application of the concept. This study shows the possibilities for new or existing companies to move to the circular economy based on real examples.