Cultivating circularity: how partnerships foster circular business models in the food system
Keywords:
Circular Business Models, Food System, Partnerships, Open innovationAbstract
This paper investigates the crucial role of partnerships in the implementation of circular business models (CBMs) within the food system, a sector increasingly transitioning towards circularity. The analysis is based on data collected from the 'Circular Startup Index' case library provided by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which identifies circular startups applying one or more principles of the circular economy. The study focuses on 133 companies operating in the food system, analyzing data on their CBMs and partnership strategies derived from their websites.
The data analysis reveals a significant global trend towards the adoption of CBMs in the food sector, with a notable emergence of new companies post-2018, indicating a direct response to market demands for more responsible and conscious production models. Aligning with existing literature, the findings highlight that companies utilizing CBMs prioritize waste minimization and resource regeneration, contributing to soil health, quality food provision, food safety, and reduced environmental impact. These companies are implementing innovative circular strategies such as agroecology, food waste upcycling, and reusable packaging.
The study confirms the pivotal role of open innovation and partnerships in building successful CBMs in this sector. Collaboration provides access to diverse networks of knowledge and resources, facilitating the implementation of new technologies and practices and fostering an integrated innovation ecosystem that accelerates the development of circular solutions. Furthermore, the results underscore the fundamental importance of community empowerment and social inclusion in the adoption of circular models, extending their impact beyond economic benefits to promote broader cultural transformations.
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