Upcycling Business Case

Background:

The introduction of circular business cases to transform company waste into resources is a key enabler for the transition to a circular economy. Circular measures like re-design of products and processes and green procurement bring EU companies economic benefits of 3-8% of annual turnover.

This contract is Phase 3 of a project. It is expected to start in March with completion by the end of June 2021.

It is expected that the business cases for a diverse selection of the solutions found in earlier research, which will be shared, focusing on waste streams with most potential or urgency in each pilot area (in terms of volume, costs, environmental & societal impact) will be of use.

These cases show SMEs the conditions (financial, practical, legal, ...) to create feasible and advantageous routes to position their 'waste' as resource for circular processes/products.

The results of the Audit of waste streams we have been undertaking at business area level are expected to be ready in March 2021.

We envisage that an output of the Audits, and following on from the Hackathon event we are planning, is that a group may be formed to encourage collaborative working to procure the most favourable terms for upcycling materials by generating sufficient volume in the Greater Norwich area. A "Business Resources Board" may be a legacy of the project.

This tender is to address item 3. Develop circular business cases

The project consists of the following steps:

1. Undertake research to develop the Business Case, which could be applicable in partner countries (see https://upcycleyourwaste.com/). This would take into account earlier research findings, to be supplied, including:

a. Overview of regulatory context in the 2 Seas countries

b. Analysis of Inventory of barriers and drivers for upcycling in SMEs

c. Identify circular processes, products and solutions - to show the diversity and benefits of upcycling solutions for all common business waste streams applied around Europe.

d. Audit and Waste stream map for each partners' business districts (March 2021)

2. Test findings with local steering group and businesses

3. Produce a draft report and test findings with Interreg project partners

4. Final Report outlining the Business Case for Upcycling

We will also take this as an opportunity to prepare these businesses for participation in the next steps of our project - upcycling pilots.

Please contact us for a full copy of the Tender Brief