The circular economy represents a huge opportunity for firms, as well as a chance for the planet. For this reason it is also one of the priority themes of the European Union, which is preparing a subsidy programme in support of circular projects. Thanks to the circular economy, firms can gain material self-sufficiency, a large number of jobs can be created and a space is opened up for investments in sustainable and often very cool innovations. For the majority of Czech firms, however, this still remains a lesser known concept. And we want to change this. Right now.
In co-operation with the Institute for the Circular Economy and a range of progressive firms and experts, we have prepared a unique publication which outlines an apposite explanation of the principles and benefits of the circular economy, providing successful examples of Czech firms which have already begun applying these principles, and shows that the CE can represent a business opportunity, a competitive advantage and a responsible manner of conducting business for every firm.
The aim of the Circular Czechia project is to provide inspiration not only for more firms, but also for example for towns and municipalities, and offer a helping hand upon introducing circular principles.
The study shall be opened by Pavel Telička, the Vice President of the European Parliament, with a reflection on the application of the circular economy in the Czech Republic.
Soňa Jonášová, Managing Director of the Institute for the Circular Economy, shall assess the current state of the circular economy in the Czech Republic, and illustrate the potential of this new branch.
“The principles on which the circular economy is founded have been demonstrated to be viable over the long term, and furthermore link long-term economic and ecological sustainability in a single instance. From an economic perspective it is expected that from 1930 the introduction of functioning tools of the circular economy may generate annual revenues of the amount of 600 billion Euro per year for Europe. However, before this happens, we shall have to overcome a range of barriers that block the effective management of sustainable development,” explains Soňa Jonášová.
For this reason, the Circular Czechia study also analyses the fundamental barriers to the successful functioning of the circular economy in the Czech Republic. The most formidable obstacles are considered to be market and cultural. For many, systems of a closed cycle of nutrients and material are an entirely new universe. Today’s society works on the principles of produce-use-discard, which represents a consumption of as much as 16 tons of material per capita in the EU annually, and only 5% of these raw materials is returned back into the system. It is therefore of absolutely key importance to bring about a fundamental change of mindset, so that firms begin to seek new paths for reuse of material.
“It’s good to know that none of the above-mentioned barriers is unalterable or even impassible. However, the solution is always individual and based on an analysis of the given firm and environment in which the firm operates. Only then is it possible to determine reliably which principles of the circular economy will best fit in with the activities of which firm. Nevertheless, being among the first to take on board and perfectly adopt these principles is a significant commercial advantage for the future,” adds Cyril Klepek, Senior Innovation Designer of Direct People.
Jiří Navrátil, another member of Direct People, contributed with an article on technological scouting, the basic aim of which is to seek the latest available technologies developed within research institutions, and help firms with their effective and purposeful introduction. “The speed of technology transfer from an academic environment to business is often of key importance also for the development of innovations within the circular economy,” concludes Cyril Klepek.
The main part of the publication then consists of eight successful examples from Czech practice which demonstrate that change is possible and that every firm can be circular, whether only partially or comprehensively in all aspects of its operation.
We are confident that our publication will be a great source of inspiration for you, and will show you an entirely new perspective on business. If you are considering introducing the principles of the circular economy into your firm and don’t know how to go about it, let us know. We’ll be happy to help you. As the only innovation agency on the Czech market intensively engaged in this field, we know how to help with configuring the principles of the circular economy, overcoming barriers and an overall change of mindset and company culture. The most important thing is to start…
Download Circular Czechia study (PDF)
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