B2Circle: Guiding Business Model Implementation in a Circular Bioeconomy

The circular bioeconomy (CBE) offers a solution to the current linear and non‐renewable nature of many businesses. However, CBE systems need well‐designed business models (BM) to succeed. This research developed a self‐assessment tool, B2Circle, to assist bioeconomy businesses in adopting circular operations by suggesting an appropriate BM. The tool was developed in three phases. (I) Literature and practice reviews helped identify criteria under which business models for a circular bioeconomy (BMCBE) could be described. (II) The proposed criteria were validated through a Delphi study. Seven overarching BMCBEs were profiled using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), resulting in FAHP scores. (III) The B2Circle tool was tested, assessing a company's BM and recommending the best‐fitting BMCBE. The main outcome of B2Circle is a recommended BMCBE archetype. Organization X was the first user of the tool, which recommended the BMCBE “Establishing biorefineries” A more detailed analysis of Organization X suggested seeking collaboration to use seasonal feedstock and increase energy use efficiency. B2Circle demonstrates the path to bridge the gap between the current state and the recommended BMCBE for an organization, serving as a first step towards greater circularity in bioeconomy businesses while respecting their existing business approach.