Case study
A coalition to build a circular, competitive and sovereign industry
Summary
A coalition of nine major manufacturers, launched with CEA ISEC and supported by the DGE, to make strong circularity an industrial standard in the face of the linear model's vulnerabilities.
Challenge
Responding collectively to the structural vulnerabilities of industry (geopolitical tensions, price volatility, criticality of strategic resources, regulatory instability) by making strong circularity an industrial standard, and building a structured dialogue with public authorities.
Details
From analysis to field deployment.
Challenge
Faced with mounting geopolitical pressures, volatile raw material prices and growing regulatory requirements, French and European industry is confronted with structural vulnerabilities that the linear model can no longer absorb. Obstacles such as material traceability, the structuring of critical secondary material value chains or the development of usage and remanufacturing models are collective by nature and go beyond the scope of any single company.
Solution
- A shared diagnostic of systemic vulnerabilities (geopolitical tensions, price volatility, resource criticality, regulatory instability) to align how manufacturers from different sectors read their value chains.
- A mapping of the barriers to strong circularity, from the design phase through to end-of-life recovery.
- A portfolio of ten structuring projects prioritised collectively (as-a-service models, remanufacturing, strategic materials, training, contractual tools).
- An advocacy paper setting out seven concrete measures for public authorities.
Results
Manufacturers brought together in year 1
9
Measures proposed to public authorities
7
Manufacturers committed for year 2
12
Deliverables:
- A report, "Facing systemic vulnerabilities: building a competitive, sovereign industry through a strong circular economy", published in March 2026.
- An advocacy paper setting out seven concrete measures for public authorities (national funds, securing critical secondary materials, Circular Territorial Zones, end-of-waste status, accelerated depreciation, circular VAT, etc.).
- A portfolio of ten structuring projects prioritised for year 2.
- The launch of a second year of work bringing together 12 manufacturers around the second life of electrical and energy equipment and the measurement of circular revenue.
FAQ
What you need to know about us.
What is Circul'R?
Circul'R is a consulting firm specializing in the circular economy. Since 2016, we have supported over 150 large companies and public entities through consulting projects, sector coalitions, training programs, and the Circul'R Club.
How does Circul'R differ from a generalist CSR consulting firm?
Unlike a generalist CSR firm, Circul'R has specialized exclusively in the circular economy since 2016. This cross-functional expertise—covering supply chains, regulations (AGEC, EPR, ESPR), and business models—allows us to turn circularity into a measurable competitive advantage, including impact reduction, resource security, compliance, and new growth drivers.
Who is Circul'R for?
Circul'R advises large private companies—including many CAC 40 and SBF 120 groups—on strategic decisions across all sectors. We also support organizations that implement public circular economy policies, such as eco-organizations, agencies, donors, and local authorities.
What services does Circul'R offer?
Circul'R offers four complementary services: bespoke consulting to structure your circular strategy, sector-specific coalitions to solve shared business challenges, training programs to build circular economy skills, and the Circul'R Club, a network for companies committed to the circular transition.
What is Circul'R's expertise regarding circular economy regulations (EPR, AGEC, CSRD)?
Circul'R guides clients through the entire French and European regulatory framework for the circular economy, including the AGEC law, EPR schemes, and CSRD, as well as recent European legislation like the PPWR, ESPR, and CRMA. We translate these obligations into operational roadmaps, turning compliance requirements into strategic advantages.
What is the process for a consulting project with Circul'R?
A project begins with a diagnostic of your circular challenges, covering areas like supply, eco-design, business models, and regulations. Circul'R then builds a prioritized, quantified roadmap and supports the operational deployment of selected actions, right through to impact measurement and continuous trajectory adjustment.
How do you measure the results of your projects?
We define tailored circularity indicators upfront—such as materials saved, reuse rates, footprint reduction, and value generated—and track their progress throughout the project to ensure concrete business and environmental results.
Do you work only in France or internationally as well?
Based in Paris, Circul'R operates primarily in France and Europe. Internationally, we support cooperation projects, including sharing French expertise on EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) and assisting donors with their circular transition programs in emerging countries, leveraging a network of operational partners and sector experts.
How do I get started with Circul'R?
Contact the team via our website: Circul'R will analyze your challenges and propose the right solution—whether through consulting, joining a coalition, taking a training course, or becoming a Club member—to accelerate your transition to a circular economy.