Increasing circularity in organisations : a combination of modularity and the circular economy

Awareness for sustainable business practices is becoming increasingly important in today’s societies. The circular economy (CE) proposes solution on how to include economic, societal, and environmental values at the core of businesses. To successfully employ a circular strategy companies face several challenges. Modularity can provide a solution to these challenges. This research creates a framework on how modularity can complement the CE. By creating a design that facilitates circular strategies modularity in product design and supply chain could boost circularity in organisations. Case studies are used to determine if modular practices can already be identified at circular companies. This gives insight in the applicability of the theoretical framework. This study concludes that modular product designs increase effectivity of circular strategies. Supply chain modularity on the other hand does not affect the level of circularity in organisations positively.