Strategic Focus: Innovative Circular Technologies Advancing Climate And Sustainability Performance

07 Nov, 2023

Access this research

Access all Sustainable Supply Chains content with a strategic subscription or buy this single report

Need help or have a question about this report? Contact us for assistance

Executive Summary

Innovative technologies in materials science, bio- and chemical engineering and decarbonization are playing a vital role in improving circularity in key industries that have historically relied on resource extraction. Through a combination of software and hardware, new solutions that support chemical and water recycling, the decarbonization of concrete, and synthetic material development will not only play a vital role in the transition to a circular economy, but will deliver secondary benefits that can help manufacturers and brands reach their net zero and nature-positive goals. This report should be used by corporates operating predominantly in heavy industries to assess their own processes and to discover ways in which these new technologies can improve their sustainability.  
Growing resource pressure is driving innovation in material solutions
The current state of resource use does not align with future sustainability scenarios
The resource gap can be closed with powerful circular solutions
New technologies can target the inefficiencies organizations face
Solutions represent lucrative opportunities for investors and corporates alike
Figure 1. Regulations, directives and strategies driving greater focus on resource use
Figure 2. Examples of technology to resolve existing resource constraints 
Figure 3. Funding into technology supporting the circular economy in industry

About the Authors

Guy Lewis

Guy Lewis

Industry Analyst

Guy is an Industry Analyst in the Verdantix ESG & Sustainability practice. He currently leads research on circular economy software and services and supports research acro...

Kim Knickle

Kim Knickle

Research Director

Kim Knickle is a Research Director at Verdantix, bringing more than two decades of analyst experience to the evolving world of sustainability. Her current research spans ESG a...

View Profile

Other related content

Blog
Sustainability Assurance & Due Diligence
EcoVadis Joins Forces With SGS & QIMA: ...

EcoVadis has expanded its network by partnering with SGS and QIMA to launch a new supply chain sustainability auditing offering, addressing surging demand for high-quality, targete...

12 November, 2025

Blog
ESG & Sustainability Reporting Software
Position Green's European Consolidation...

The deals – Morescope, Greenomy and FactlinesPosition Green completed two strategic acquisitions within a two-week span in late summer 2025, acquiring Oslo-headquartered carbon man...

11 November, 2025

Blog
Corporate Sustainability Leaders
Nobel Ideas, Global Impact: Approaching...

On October 13, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences recognized the work of Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion and Peter Howitt “for having explained innovation-driven economic growth” by...

10 November, 2025

Blog
Sustainable Supply Chains
From Burden To Strategy: Mastering Pack...

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations for packaging are evolving rapidly. In the EU, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) took force in February 2025, s...

06 November, 2025

Blog
Sustainable Supply Chains
Three Ways Agentic AI Will Redefine Sus...

Agentic AI is quickly moving from concept to cornerstone in supply chain technology innovation. At its aim10x event in Dallas, for example, o9 Solutions unveiled strategic invest...

06 November, 2025

Webinar
Corporate Sustainability & Climate Change Services
How To Market Sustainability Solutions ...

Finding it more challenging to understand corporate sustainability priorities in a landscape of shifting regulations? This webinar breaks down how sustainability solutions vendors ...

Upcoming / 02 December, 2025