The Circular Value Navigator: A Tool for Identifying and Transforming Linear Practices in the Circular Economy

Michael Hamwi (), Iban Lizarralde and Romain Allais
Additional contact information
Michael Hamwi: ESTIA-Institute of Technology, University Bordeaux, EstiaR, 64210 Bidart, France
Iban Lizarralde: ESTIA-Institute of Technology, University Bordeaux, EstiaR, 64210 Bidart, France
Romain Allais: APESA—Association Pour l'Environnement et la Sécurité en Aquitaine, 64053 Pau, France

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 22, 1-27

Abstract: The transition to a circular economy (CE) presents a significant challenge for firms, especially in the initial stages, where cognitive barriers can hinder the identification of linear practices and the development of circular solutions. One key approach to supporting business model innovation has been the use of visualization tools. While several tools facilitate circular innovation, most remain primarily descriptive or evaluative and do not bridge the gap between diagnosing linear practices and designing circular value propositions. This paper addresses this gap by introducing a conceptual tool—the ‘Circular Value Navigator’—designed to support managers in the early stages of CE transformation. The tool aims to facilitate a systemic process for identifying problems rooted in the dominant linear economy and converting them into actionable CE opportunities. Therefore, it supports the development of circular value propositions. The proposed tool integrates three core dimensions: Value Uncaptured, Innovation Perspectives, and Circularity Strategies. By systematically exploring the interplay among these dimensions, the tool helps users identify and map circularity hotspots and pathways for improvement. This research contributes to the literature on cognitive tools in the circular economy field by offering a framework that enhances managers’ abilities in systemic thinking, problem reframing, and the strategic design of circular business models—ultimately aiming to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices.

Keywords: circular economy; tool; cognitive; business model; value proposition; environmental transformation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/22/10209/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/17/22/10209/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:22:p:10209-:d:1794911

Access Statistics for this article

Sustainability is currently edited by Ms. Alexandra Wu

More articles in Sustainability from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().