Strategic planning oriented to circular business models: A decision framework to promote sustainable development

Circular economy principles are usually dissociated from strategic planning practices, and there seems to be no guidance on how to decide on competitive strategies to establish circular business models. Therefore, this article aimed to propose a strategic planning decision framework oriented to circular business models (SPDF-CBM) and test it by conducting a case study of a Brazilian company from the cosmetic sector. The SPDF-CBM framework comprises five stages: (A) circular trends analysis; (B) circular vision and goals definition; (C) current circular business status; (D) competitive strategy for a circular economy definition; and (E) competitive strategies for a circular economy prioritization. Based on a number of tools to assist going through Stages A, B, and C, businesses get to know their current circular status and define their desired future state. In Stages D and E, businesses define their competitive strategy and spot circular business models (and strategies) they can pursue. After testing the proposed framework in a Brazilian startup from the cosmetic sector, results from SPDF-CBM suggested that the startup pursues a competitive strategy based on differentiation and a CBM aimed at promoting renewable options. It was also pointed out that other CBMs in decreasing degree of fit with the business were maximizing material and energy efficiency, extending resource value and product life, pursuing sufficiency, and delivering functionality rather than ownership. By using the SPDF-CBM framework, organizations can increase both their competitiveness and circularity at the same time.