Brazilian Circular Economy HUB – Activity Report 2020

Published on February 9, 2022

The Circular Economy Hub Brazil wants to transform the Brazilian market by promoting a new business mindset and serving as an inspiration for Latin America. In addition to bringing a pioneering proposal to Brazil, stimulating the integration of the production chain and exchange between sectors, the Hub-EC wants to inspire new debates, initiatives and practical solutions adapted to the reality of our country. In January 2020, we launched our first systemic initiative!

Our Circular Economy HUB (HUB-EC) brings together Brazilian companies from different sectors committed to working with each other to stimulate the circular economy in the country by integrating their value chains and creating unique collective intelligence through individual diagnosis and unexpected connections. The 2-year program, which aims at turning ideas into practical projects, had already been thoroughly planned. When coronavirus hit us. We had to review our schedule, the approval process of our members and even the role of the HUB.

But we definitely got stronger. And reflected on our responsibility in this scenario. We looked at our international partners for support and inspiration, and we noticed an even stronger spirit of unity and determination. As a common point, we share the need for a new macroeconomic perspective for global development. We gathered to continue supporting each other and adapted our activities without compromising our mission and the purpose of the HUB-EC, which is assisting companies in the circular transition process. We made decisions flexible, extended deadlines, adjusted not only deliveries but also our team to continue educating, providing tools and solutions, inspiring and giving support to the companies. After all, that is our role. We are an independent facilitator, creating bridges among all stakeholders while hoping that we can accelerate the transition to the circular economy and promote positive changes in our country.

PRODUCED BY: Exchange 4 Change Brasil

The Brazilian Circular Economy HUB (HUB-EC) is a unique ecosystem that brings together leading companies who work cooperatively to overcome barriers, break paradigms and enable projects to accelerate the implementation of a Circular Economy in Brazil. Our model follows a global trend of initiatives working as a business network with companies determined to join forces, promote engagement, create leadership and generate scalability for the circular transition.

• PACE – Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy – WEF, 2018.

• Circular Economy Leadership Coalition – 2018,

• Factor 10 – WBCSD, 2018 and

• Circular Economy Germany Initiative – SystemiQ and Acatech, 2019.

The unique model developed by Exchange 4 Change Brasil aims at empowering all involved with a circular mindset, strengthening the engagement of the chain and facilitating the structuring of projects. By uniting the various links of the chain in new work governance, we can add value to Brazilian diversity, creativity and scientific capacity in the construction of solutions that would be much more difficult, costly and time-consuming if done independently.

In this first year, we brought together 16 members around our mission. We could also count on the participation of Brazilian public funding for Science, Technology and Innovation - FINEP, with its investment perspective, and Science Ministry - MCTI, which introduced the foundations of the Brazilian Roadmap, developed with the support of UNIDO.

WHY DO WE NEED TO CHANGE COURSE?

The multiple crises that we face result from political and business decisions that ignore the planetary boundaries. Therefore, they fail to generate well-being. We are witnessing systemic changes (i.e. technological revolution), worsening climate changes and social inequalities. They cause a profound impact on the types of relationships, work, economy and society as a whole. The following risks threaten the present linear economic model:

1. SUPPLY RISK: the dependence on non-renewable resources causes a shortage of supply and price volatility of raw materials.

2. COMPETITIVE RISK: the production process based on programmed obsolescence must be reviewed in terms of quality and durability due to the critical eye of a more demanding consumer.

3. CONFLICT RISK: a compartmentalized chain with isolated players that lacks collaboration and transparency does not allow knowledge generation and creates conflicts between production links.

4. SURVIVAL RISK: the non-existence of a systemic and innovative perspective and the lack of adaptation to the new reality are critical elements for the competitiveness and longevity of companies.

Exchange4Change Brazil

We are a specialized organization that aims to boost the transition to the Circular Economy in Brazil through the co-creation and adaptation of global solutions to the Brazilian reality. We guide the market in the development of circular strategies and businesses, promoting the circular economy as a driving factor for technological innovations, new business opportunities and value creation for Brazilian companies and cities.