The launch comes as a result of the exceptional response from business to the publication of two reports by the Foundation, launched during the World Economic Forum in Davos, with analysis by McKinsey, which demonstrate over $1trillion of opportunities posed by circular economy innovation. The creation of the new alliance is supported by the Foundation’s founding partners, Cisco, BT, National Grid, B&Q and Renault.
Twenty companies have already confirmed their membership of the programme, which officially opens today, including The Coca-Cola Company, M&S, IKEA Group, Morrisons, Tarkett, FLOOW2, Heights UK, iFixit, Ricoh, Vestas, WRAP, Turntoo, and Desso. The programme will seek its remaining membership from industry sectors believed to be fundamental to the evolution of the circular economy.
“The circular economy represents a clear and proven opportunity for businesses around the world. Our new initiative brings cohesion and focus to this opportunity and allows businesses to share experiences, learn from best practice and to work together to achieve real business benefits. Each of the members of the CE100 has made a commitment to a circular economy initiative. In total we anticipate that this have a value of more than $10 billion, encouraging innovation, investment and job creation.”
– Ellen MacArthur
In addition to working with some of the world’s biggest businesses the programme will include a parallel group of ‘emerging innovators’ in the form of new tech businesses believed to hold the key to unlocking innovation barriers to circular progress.
The CE100 is based on the principle that a global alliance across the business community can realise greater value, and faster, than companies operating individually and in isolation.
Membership of the CE100 allows companies to benefit from:
. privileged access to a library of best practice guidance and application tools
. access to an online executive education programme
. access to a series of acceleration workshops aimed at stimulating circular economy innovation
. an annual summit which will expose members to latest thinking, offer an opportunity to showcase success stories and network with other CE100 members
“We’re very proud to be involved in the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s CE100 Programme. Plan A is driving M&S to deliver restorative, circular systems for our products and services because we believe it’s crucial for the future of our company as the world faces up to the challenge of resource scarcity. We already have circular models in place like our clothes recycling initiative Shwopping but it is very early days and joining the CE100 Programme will help us learn more and share our experience with others.”
– Richard Gillies, Director of Plan A at Marks & Spencer
“Our linear economy has failed us. We’re facing a future of resource scarcity, and it’s critical that we take steps now to prepare for a new economic reality. I anticipate tremendous growth opportunities for businesses involved in repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing. We are looking forward to partnering with companies in the Circular Economy 100 to develop new, repair-driven business models.”
– Kyle Wiens, Founder & CEO, iFixit