Why calculate your circularity index?
Measuring circularity makes your circular performance visible and open for reflection. This is important because there is no single, definitive method for measuring circularity. It comprises various indicators which, taken together, determine how circular your organisation, product or process is. Consider material inflows such as total material consumption, the proportion of recycled or bio-based materials, and the use of responsibly sourced raw materials. On the output side, lifespan, recyclability, reparability and modularity play a major role. Waste is also a key component, with KPIs for reduction, reuse, recycling and the prevention of hazardous waste.
Because all these KPIs are measured in different ways, they are difficult to compare with one another. That is why we help companies to make circularity measurable in a consistent and reliable way. We provide support with data collection, choosing the right methodology and calculating individual KPIs. We have also developed our own methods to create a clear circularity index: a single, easy-to-understand figure that shows how circular you are.
The result: well-founded insights that show where you stand and where you can improve.
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This is how we do it – your own action plan in three steps
1. Baseline assessment and scoping
We begin with a baseline assessment to gain a clear understanding of what is expected from your organisation in terms of circularity. We review relevant legislation and regulations, customer expectations and broader market developments. In parallel, we consult key internal stakeholders to understand the organisation’s context, ambitions and operational dynamics. Together, these internal and external insights form the foundation for the scoping phase: we determine which circular principles and KPIs are most relevant for your organisation and which are not.
2. Measurement methodology
Next, we develop a tailored measurement methodology. We start by assessing the current situation: what data is already available, and which calculations or reporting processes are already in place? Based on this, we identify the best way to calculate the selected KPIs. We do this through working sessions with your internal experts, during which we explore possible calculation methods and clearly define data responsibilities. This approach not only results in a robust methodology, but also increases internal understanding and ownership.
3. Pilot
Finally, we put the methodology into practice through a pilot. We support the data collection process, verify data quality and ensure all information is structured correctly. We then create templates that enable you to easily translate the collected data into circular KPIs. These templates are designed for long-term use, ensuring that measuring circularity becomes efficient, repeatable and reliable in the years to come.
No. There is currently no universal, standardised method for measuring circularity. A complete picture requires a combination of KPIs and perspectives. That’s why we work with you to determine which methodology best fits your organisation and objectives.
The data you need depends on the KPIs you choose. In general, circularity measurement always involves three types of information: Material flows, Product characteristics, Waste or residual flows.
You don’t need to have everything perfectly organised before starting. In practice, part of the data is often already available, and the remaining data can be added step by step.
A circularity index is a composite score that expresses, in a single figure, how circular a product, process or organisation is. It simplifies complex underlying data into a clear and comparable metric, making your performance easier to understand, track and communicate.
Get started with your own team
We firmly believe in teamwork. We customise our strategic long-term projects, according to the needs of your company or organisation. We form a dedicated team of three to six experts, diverse and resilient in nature. They work together to guide your organisation from the development stage to the implementation stage. This way, we safeguard quality and guarantee the continuity of your sustainability initiatives. Want to make an impact together?
A preview of our experts
Meet our expert who, together with a dedicated team of fellow experts, contributes to the long-term success of our clients.
Romeo Kaptijn
Has the ability to translate detailed insights into strategic actions.
Link to Romeo
