The circular economy transition refers to the shift from the traditional "take, make, use, dispose" linear economic model to a more sustainable economic system that emphasises the regeneration and reuse of materials and resources. In a circular economy, waste and pollution are minimised and resources are kept in use for as long as possible, creating a closed-loop system that promotes efficiency and sustainability.

The transition to the circular economy necessarily requires a change in the way products are designed, produced, used and disposed of, affecting not only the business models traditionally adopted but, in particular, also the knowledge, skills and tools to which organisations must refer in carrying out their production activities. In fact, the need to rethink in a circular sense the processes of raw material procurement, processing and distribution of products requires economic actors to acquire a different and specific set of knowledge and skills but, above all, to establish within their own organisation a different mindset in approaching production activity in order to effectively translate the principles of the circular economy within company policy.

The L2C short learning programme consists of three (3) Modules composed of ten (10) Units. The core element of each unit consists of video lectures linked with activities for learning by doing, potentially including self-graded finger exercises, assignments, simulations, and case studies.

Module I_“Circular economy: basic principles and business  models”: It is well known that the manufacturing sector is an important industry in the European Union as it contributes significantly to the EU economy. This makes it all the more relevant to deepen the principles of the circular economy aimed at: reduction, reuse and recycling of materials in order to reduce the amount of waste and raw materials used through the reuse of products and recycling of materials. In particular, an in-depth study of design practices, so-called circular design, which takes into account the entire life cycle of the product by allowing, for example, the repair and reuse of products and the design of recyclable materials.

The foregoing can be achieved through the implementation of different circular business models that do not lose sight of the economic purpose of the business by exploiting innovative ways of earning money through examples of cooperation between different companies or industries to exploit the by-products or waste of one company as raw material for others, creating a virtuous cycle of resource utilisation and reducing environmental impact.

Module II_“The circular economy and regulatory framework: a  look at national, European and international objectives and sources governing circular transformation”. The relevance of environmental sustainability issues and the adoption of more sustainable production models has concerned and interested legislators around the world.

At the national, European and international level, a regulatory framework is being constructed to direct the activities of entrepreneurs and encourage the process of transformation, especially in those sectors characterised by a greater impact on the environment.

Module III_”How to implement circular economy (Best practices, guidelines)”. This module considers the tools, opportunities and skills needed to tackle the required transformation process by drawing inspiration from practical cases of the challenges and successes faced by companies that have made the circular economy one of their pillars.

Course structure

• Module 1 – Circular economy: basic principles and business  models
  • Unit 1.1 - Circular economy: the fundamentals
  • Unit 1.2 - Business models in a circular economy
• Module 2 - The circu lar economy and regulatory framework: an in-depth look at national, European and international objectives and sources governing circular transformation
  • Unit 2.1 - European legal framework of circular economy
  • Unit 2.2 - National Legal framework
  • Unit 2.3 - International standards and certifications
  • Unit 2.4 - Extended producer responsibility
• Module 3 – How to implement Circular economy  (Best practices, guidelines)
  • Unit 3.1 - Change management models
  • Unit 3.2 - Funding & networking in CE
  • Unit 3.3 - Resources & Tools
  • Unit 3.4 - Case studies and best practices

All modules will be supported by additional materials, including a glossary, case studies and references.

Prerequisites

• A basic understanding of environmental challenges faced by SMEs;
• Interest in exploring principles of the circular economy, including reduction, reuse, and recycling of materials;
• Familiarity with or willingness to learn about circular practices, focusing on product life cycle considerations;
• Readiness to engage with national, European, and international regulatory frameworks governing circular transformation;
• Willingness to explore practical cases and best practices for implementing circular economy principles in various industries;
• Basic computer literacy and internet access for accessing online course materials and participating in discussions.

Objectives

• Grasp the fundamentals of circular economy, emphasising material reduction, reuse, and recycling to minimise waste.
• Study innovative approaches to generate revenue while promoting sustainability through circular business models.
• Examine legal frameworks at national, European, and international levels aimed at guiding circular transformation and sustainability.
• Learn change management strategies and practical tools to facilitate organisational transition towards circular practices.
• Explore funding opportunities, networking, and collaboration with stakeholders to support circular initiatives.
• Analyse real-world case studies to glean insights and lessons for successful implementation of circular economy principles.