Innovation is key to accelerating the circular economycircular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature. transition — and there are thousands of circular startups on the market right now, designing and developing innovative solutions to eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials, and regenerate nature.
The Foundation’s Circular Startup Index is a searchable, public database featuring more than 500 startups across a range of sectors, industries, and geographies, providing unprecedented visibility of these circular solutions.
We have created the Index to acknowledge the vital role startups play in the circular economy transition. It is designed to help businesses discover circular startups and find new collaborators to facilitate innovation, scale solutions, and accelerate circular economy transformation.
“Designing a circular future requires radical innovation to rethink how our economy works. Thousands of circular startups are already on the case, but they need more support and investment. So we created the Circular Startup Index to create visibility of the breadth of circular startups on the market and help businesses discover suitable circular solutions.” Ella Hedley, Project Manager, Startups, Ellen MacArthur Foundation
“As a leading provider of sustainable, fibre-based packaging across Europe and the US, we are keen to work with disruptive businesses that can bring exciting and innovative circular solutions to DS Smith, helping us realise our purpose to redefine packaging for a changing world, and reach our industry-leading circular economy ambitions.
“The Circular Startup Index has already expedited our work, bringing us into contact with potential partners – businesses that are leading the way and surfacing hundreds of circular solutions. We have already started working with one of the businesses we found on the Index, and are inspired by the ongoing opportunity to engage with some of the most forward thinking businesses in the circularity space.” Hugh McCann, Senior Circular Growth Manager, DS Smith
