Businesses have traditionally exploited resources in a linear way, extracting raw materials to manufacture products for customers worldwide who then use and ultimately discard them. Today, however, critical non-renewable materials like metals, minerals and energy supplies are increasingly scarce. Also, the regenerative capacity of forests, land and oceans is under mounting pressure. As a result, these conventional straight-line business models can expose firms to unacceptable levels of risk, including wild price volatility. Consequently, leading companies have begun to adopt new, more circular approaches to using resources. Modern technology is bringing digital solutions that will play a major role in bringing the concepts supporting the circular economy, with its focus on sustainable growth, into the mainstream.
