FOOD SYSTEMS CIRCULARITY
ASSESSMENT TOOL
Developed by the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) as a product of the Circular Food Systems for Rwanda Program, with the support of project partners, WRI, Resonance, CPCIC and ACEA.
FOOD SYSTEMS CIRCULARITY
ASSESSMENT TOOL
Developed by the African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) as a product of the Circular Food Systems for Rwanda Program, with the support of project partners, WRI, Resonance, CPCIC and ACEA.
The circular economy is a business model that focuses on reducing waste and making the most of existing resources. It encourages strategies such as designing for durability, reusing components, refurbishing products, and recycling materials rather than relying on linear "take-make-dispose" approaches. This model helps businesses reduce costs, improve efficiency, and contribute to sustainability by keeping materials and products in use for as long as possible.
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If your company creates tools, services, or systems that others rely on like a tech firm helping food processors reduce waste or a machinery supplier offering repairable equipment you have real power to influence how circularity works in practice.
Circular businesses focus on designing out waste, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerating natural systems. That might mean offering equipment-as-a-service, building with recyclable components, or developing tech that helps customers optimize resources. But it also means working across teams and supply chains, measuring what matters, and finding ways to make sustainability part of how you grow.
Resources
To understand the circular business models, read: The Circular Business Model
Read more about the collaboration: Create the conditions for collaboration
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The materials your business uses and how you design your products or services have a big impact on both the environment and your business model. From packaging and components to operational waste, making smarter choices can help reduce costs & environmental harm, improve resource efficiency, and support your transition to a circular model.
If you're a business creating technology, equipment, or providing services in sectors like farming, manufacturing, or logistics, this section will help you reflect on how sustainable and circular your current practices really are.
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Using non-biodegradable materials can lead to more pollution, waste buildup, and long-term costs for your business. On the other hand, choosing biodegradable, recyclable, or sustainably sourced materials can reduce environmental harm while opening up opportunities to save money and generate new income.
In a circular economy, smart material choices support resource recovery, reduce waste, and make your operations more efficient. For example, reusing packaging, repairing tools, or setting up return-and-reuse programs can extend product life and lower costs. These actions not only protect the environment but also reduce dependence on expensive inputs and landfill fees.
Resources
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Resources
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As businesses increasingly focus on circular practices, it's important to understand where they are on their sustainability journey and what steps they plan to take in the future. This section aims to gather insights into your business's goals for integrating circular economy principles, your level of commitment, and any challenges or opportunities you foresee.
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Adopting a circular economy involves setting clear, long-term goals focused on minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency. Key steps include sustainable sourcing, designing for reuse or recycling, and improving supply chain practices. While barriers like lack of resources or knowledge are common, many online resources, training programs, and industry partnerships are available to help businesses navigate these challenges and successfully implement circular practices.
Resources
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The circular economy is an economic model that minimizes waste and maximizes available resources. It emphasizes reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling products and materials instead of discarding them. The goal is to create a closed-loop system where resources are continuously cycled through the economy, reducing the need for new raw materials and decreasing environmental impact. Sustainability, resource efficiency, and waste reduction are central principles in a circular economy.
Resources:
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Investing in circular business models means designing products and services that minimize waste, maximize resource efficiency, and promote sustainability through strategies like durability, repairability, and closed-loop supply chains. Successfully implementing circularity requires engaging staff, suppliers, and customers to align on goals, secure sustainable materials, and foster awareness and trust. Collaboration with policymakers and communities further strengthens circular food systems by shaping supportive regulations, driving innovation, and ensuring economic and social benefits. By strategically investing time and resources, businesses can create lasting impact, future-proof their operations, and accelerate the transition to a sustainable circular economy.
Resources:
To understand the circular business models, read: The Circular Business Model
Read more about the collaboration: Â Create the conditions for collaboration
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Using non-biodegradable materials can lead to more pollution, waste buildup, and long-term costs for your business. On the other hand, choosing biodegradable, recyclable, or sustainably sourced materials can reduce environmental harm while opening up opportunities to save money and generate new income.
In a circular economy, smart material choices support resource recovery, reduce waste, and make your operations more efficient. For example, reusing packaging, repairing tools, or setting up return-and-reuse programs can extend product life and lower costs. These actions not only protect the environment but also reduce dependence on expensive inputs and landfill fees.
Resources:
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Managing waste plays a key role in sustainability. Plastic materials can often be recycled or reused, reducing environmental impact. Organic waste and crop by-products like corn cobs can be valuable for compost or animal feed. Even wastewater from washing crops can be treated and reused to save water. Understanding how waste is handled helps make the most of resources and supports long-term environmental health. Find out what you can do, to make your business more efficient.Â
ResourcesÂ
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Adopting a circular economy involves setting clear, long-term goals focused on minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. Key steps include sustainable sourcing, designing for reuse or recycling, and improving supply chain practices. While barriers like lack of resources or knowledge are common, many online resources, training programs, and industry partnerships are available to help businesses navigate these challenges and successfully implement circular practices.
Resources
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