Strategic Focus: Innovative Circular Technologies Advancing Climate And Sustainability Performance
07 Nov, 2023
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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
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
Figure 2. Examples of technology to resolve existing resource constraints
Figure 3. Funding into technology supporting the circular economy in industry
HeidelbergCement, Anhui Conch Cement, CO2ncrEAT, Nordic Council of Ministers for the Environment and Climate, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Allonnia, SOURCE Water, BlackRock, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, DVC, Encina, Closed Loop Partners, Lombard Odier, Twelve, EPOC Enviro, Lowercarbon Capital, Avantium, SYSTEMIQ, UN International Resource Panel, WINT, DePloy, CarbonCure Technologies, CEMEX, European Commission, Blue Earth Capital, M&g, BASF Venture Capital, Sublime Systems, Chatham House (Royal Institute of International Affairs), Carbon8, Wingman Ventures, Insight Partners, BDC Capital, BDO, LyondellBasell Industries, SW Recycle Fund, Brimstone, INEOS Styrolution, Circularity Capital, Climate Investment, Neste, Drawdown Fund, Bison Ventures, Dioxcycle, DyeCoo, Earth Overshoot Day, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Recycling Technologies, Lafarge, IMM Investment, Greenful, Carbon Upcycling, Inven Capital, Holcim
About the Authors

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…
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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…
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