SPCleantech (PP5) as lead partner was responsible together with other Project Partners (PP) in CURIOST for two deliverables: D2.4.1. Consolidation of business models and D2.4.2 Solution – Methodology Kit for the development of an economically successful, circular product.
D2.4.1. Consolidation of business models
This deliverable consolidates the results of the CURIOST piloting activities into sector-specific circular business model patterns for four key industrial sectors: Mechanics & Mechatronics, Packaging, Plastics and Building & Construction.
The piloting activities were implemented in two stages through regional and transnational design thinking workshopsfocused on the development of sustainable and circular products (see Deliverable 2.3.2. Two stage pilot with prototype creation and testing, and business modelling). The Deliverable 2.4.1 synthesizes insights from 29 business cases, together with the challenges and business model impact areas identified throughout the piloting activities.
These insights were developed jointly by SMEs and small midcaps, CURIOST project partners, Creative Heads and were subsequently consolidated within this deliverable.
The purpose of this deliverable is to transform company specific pilot actions into generalisable circular business model solutions and to provide SMEs and small midcaps with practical, actionable insights for implementing sustainable and circular product development. The outcome of this deliverable is a collection of circular business model patterns derived from individual business cases that SMEs and small midcaps can use to facilitate their transition to more circular business models.
Key Concepts and Approach
A business model is the rationale for how an organisation creates, delivers and captures value while generating social and environmental impact.
A business case is not separate from the business model; rather, it is a targeted intervention that modifies or tests a specific part of the business model.
A business model describes how a company creates, delivers and captures value.
A business case justifies a specific change to that model (e.g., the introduction of new materials, a new logistics system, or a new service model).
In this deliverable, the business model patterns are based on insights gained from the piloting activities while also integrating elements of circularity flow logic. As a result, CURIOST provides business model patterns that reflect the operational realities and practical experiences of SMEs and small midcaps. This approach ensures that the patterns are relevant, up to date, and readily applicable for adoption by a wider range of companies seeking to transition towards more circular business models.
The consolidation of business models shows that, despite operating in different sectors, SMEs and small midcaps across Central Europe face a shared reality: circularity becomes possible only when business models evolve together with materials, processes, and value chain coordination. The 29 business cases demonstrate that companies often begin with small pilot actions, such as introducing new materials, product redesigns, digital monitoring solutions, take-back schemes and gradually tranform these initiatives into more
sustainable and circular business models. The business model patterns presented in this deliverable capture and generalise these transformation insights, providing SMEs and small mid-caps with practical examples of how individual circular actions can be scaled and integrated into broader business model innovation.
Across all four sectors, common challenges appear: limited digitalisation, unstable secondary material flows, fragmented value chains, regulatory uncertainty, and internal capacity gaps. Yet the pilots also reveal strong opportunities. Each sector has a clear enabler that unlocks circularity: digital lifecycle intelligence in mechanics & mechatronics, high quality recycled material flows in plastics, reuse and traceability systems in packaging, and digitalisation of buildings and materials in building & construction. These enablers are the structural foundations that make circular business models technically feasible and economically viable.
The expected benefits are consistent: longer product lifetimes, reduced waste, more stable material supply, new service based revenue streams, and measurable environmental performance. Together, these insights form a blueprint for circular business model transformation in Central Europe and provide the basis for the CURIOST Deliverable 2.4.2. Solution – Methodology kit for the development of an economically successful, circular product, which helps SMEs and small midcaps scale circular innovation in practice.
In short, CURIOST shows that circularity is achievable when companies combine material innovation, digital intelligence, and sustainable business model logic, turning isolated pilots into systemic, competitive, and resilient industrial transformation.
D2.4.2 Solution – Methodology Kit for the development of an economically successful, circular product
The “Methodology kit it for the development of an economically successful, circular product” presents a structured two-stage approach that guides manufacturing companies step-by-step from defining a sustainable business case (what to develop) to piloting and the adaptation of the business model.
The methodology is based on its application across seven regions, involving 29 SMEs and small midcaps from the manufacturing sectors mechanics & mechatronics, plastics, packaging, and building & construction in a two-stage innovation process. This diversity provided valuable insights and demonstrated the flexibility and adaptability of the approach. It is reported in CURIOST D 2.3.2. – Two stage pilot prototype creation, testing and business modeling.
A key success factor was the close collaboration between companies, innovation experts (“Creative Heads”) and consortium partners, supported through workshops and interactive formats. The experience showed that active company engagement and contextual adaptation are crucial for success.
The Creative Head is an expert in e.g. creative industries, business development, or sustainability, who guides and supports companies through the design thinking process to develop a sustainability-focused MVP. This guidance is crucial and relevant as it ensures high-quality input throughout the process on a basis of trust toward the company.
Overall, the methodology kit highlights the importance of co-creation and practical testing in developing and adapting circular, applicable, and sustainable MVPs.
Purpose & Target group
This methodology enables manufacturing companies to a systematic two-stage guidance to develop an economically successful, circular MVP, considering economic and environmental dimensions at the same time.
It provides a structured yet flexible process that guides companies from initial preparation and assessment to the scaling of a sustainable business case into sustainable business models.
The primary target groups include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small midcaps from the four sectors of mechanics & mechatronics, plastics, packaging and building & construction, seeking to innovate their business models.
The process involves close collaboration between manufacturing companies and regional innovation experts or Business Support Organizations as guiding partners.
Two-stage approach
The methodology is structured as a two-stage approach within a total of six phases that supports companies in systematically developing, testing, and refining sustainable products. The process typically runs over several months and requires active involvement from both companies and facilitators.
It combines analytical work, collaborative workshops, real-life experimentation (piloting) and recurring feedback loops with innovation experts (“Creative Heads”), ensuring both theoretical grounding and practical applicability.
The process is designed to be iterative rather than strictly linear. While phases are presented sequentially, feedback loops with Creative Heads are encouraged, particularly between development and piloting. This allows companies to continuously refine their solutions based on real-world insights and expertise