Overarching Business Models for a Circular Bioeconomy: Systematising archetypes

A successful circular bioeconomy calls for business models intentionally designed for circularity, and there is a lack of archetypes for Business Models for a Circular Bioeconomy (BMCBE). This paper aims to identify and describe overarching Business Models for a Circular Bioeconomy (BMCBEs) (i.e., archetypes). To that end, a systematic literature review (29 core papers) and a practice review (32 organizations in 4 continents) were conducted. Seven BMCBE archetypes were identified: Optimising resource efficiency and use; Establishing biorefineries; Value recovery from waste; Resource exchange; Innovation towards bio- and renewable resources; Valuing the local economy, and; Service- and result-oriented value offers. Key insights point to the most recurrent circular bioeconomy practices in companies revolving around Value recovery from waste (present in 26 cases) and Innovation towards bio- and renewable resources (13), which can lead to a range of environmental benefits. Service- and result-oriented value offers are limited and should be further explored in relation to feasibility and benefits. The BMCBE archetypes presented pave the way for future research in circular bioeconomy and supports practice, as a starting point for companies to identify opportunities and engage with circular bioeconomy.