8 Models for Circular Economy Profit

Overview

These articles present 8 practical profit models that help businesses maximize material economic value across a product’s life. Examples include use-based services, sharing platforms, and resettable consumables designed for easy separation and regeneration. Each article explains where profit comes from and includes real cases. Use this with partners to explore options and run quick pilots that improve resource efficiency and profitability.

Note: These profit models by themselves can't replace the Doughnut Design for Business content. For business consulting, it's suggested to share this content during the last phase (4. Redesign your business) as inspiration.

Why use it?

• Focused: Targets material and product value, which is familiar for businesses.
• Practical: Eight models with concise explanations and cases you can apply now.
• Profitable: Unlock revenue with lower costs, less harm, and better asset utilization.

Who is it for?

Entrepreneurs, product managers, operations leads, sustainability teams, consultants, facilitators, and educators.

How to use?

• For individuals, each article is a ~5-minute read.
• For groups, the content can be re-formatted for discussion and inspiration.

Acknowledgements

• Oversight and editing: Victor Wu, Joy Chou, and the Leafer Circular Design team.
• English translation: Craig Bossley.

Links

Overview: https://leaferdesign.com/en/service/business-models#biz-models

The 8 models:

• High Quality Model:
  Durable, longer-life products with superior functionality; often organic or healthy ingredients with quantifiable or blockchain certification.
• Resettable Consumables Model:
  A durable main product with rechargeable/refillable parts and renewable consumables; easy to replace and sold profitably throughout the product’s life.
• Byproduct Symbiosis Model:
  Industrial symbiosis—standardize by-products for sale to other businesses or exchanges without third-party processing.
• Recovery Resell Model:
  High-quality recycling to turn waste back into valuable materials using specialized equipment, often with performance certifications.
• Life Extension Model:
  Extends lifecycles via repair and remanufacturing—especially for high-value or emotionally significant items.
• Right-of-Use Model:
  Rental/use-based access instead of ownership, with charges based on usage—ideal for low-frequency items.
• Performance Service Model:
  Servitization—sell the outcome or performance instead of the product; users benefit without direct ownership or use.
• Sharing Platform Model:
  Two-sided platforms that connect users with idle items or spaces for easy transactions—the platform doesn’t own the assets.