Could the circular economy be the answer in times of uncertainty?

As the world rocks due to geopolitical conflicts, new opportunities may be opening up. Not only do we have an uncertain world where openness and free trade are being questioned, we also have resource scarcity and increasing climate change. Trade barriers and rising commodity prices may force us to rethink how we use resources wisely - it may no longer be a question of doing good, but of surviving and growing as a business.

I visited Leksand knäckebröd last week and they impress with their way of working for sustainability and for them it is nothing new. It started several generations ago, when rising energy prices made energy efficiency necessary to survive as a business.

So, in this new landscape where new resources are limited, a circular economy can become part of the business strategy to secure competitiveness in the future. Companies that can extend the life of materials, create new circular business models and find value in residual streams will not only be stronger, they may lead the way.

In Dalarna, we see signs that more people realize that this transition is necessary. A recent Novus survey shows that almost a quarter of the people of Dalarna already see our county as a role model when it comes to utilizing residual streams/waste. At the same time, almost half say they do not know. This points to a huge opportunity to showcase all the work that is actually going on.

The demand is clear, with almost nine out of ten having a positive attitude towards companies using recycled materials in their products. This provides a strong mandate for change. In addition, more than half of residents believe that the sustainability efforts of Dalarna's companies can create better development opportunities for the entire region.

At Dalarna Science Park, we are currently exploring the power of this movement. Together with AxFoundation, we are investigating how we can utilize the wool that is currently being thrown away and instead transform it into a resource for the future. In our Circular Industry Accelerator, which started in 2024 and is the only one of its kind in Sweden, we are connecting established industries with innovative startups to identify opportunities to create new value from residual streams. We are also exploring how companies in north-central Sweden can work together to circulate more materials.

We want Dalarna's companies to see the business opportunity and be at the forefront of the circular transition. But this requires continued courage, more innovation and cooperation. Companies that do not act may risk being left behind in a world where resources are limited and consumers are increasingly aware.

Do you want to learn more about how the circular economy can be your biggest competitive advantage? Then you should not miss our breakfast seminar Dalarna Talks on May 15. Sustainability expert Mattias Goldmann will share his thoughts on how we can take advantage of the unique "opportunity" that the circular economy represents - both for our region and for the world.