The Subscription & Circular Economy

WHAT DO I COVER IN A KEYNOTE TALK ABOUT THE SUBSCRIPTION & CIRCULAR ECONOMY?

The Subscription & Circular Economy are the way of the future. For too long, humans would rather choose the option of replacing than repurposing. My talk is generally customized based on the guests but might include some of these components:

An Introduction to the concepts. I define the Subscription Economy and explain how businesses are shifting (albeit too slowly) from one-time product sales to subscription-based models for consistent revenue. I also define the Circular Economy and discuss the sustainable economic model that focuses on designing out waste and keeping resources in use for as long as possible.

I also like to share points on the intersection between the Subscription and Circular Economies. There are synergies, so I can describe how subscription models can support circular principles, such as encouraging the return and reuse of items. I can highlight examples of companies that are successfully merging both approaches, like car-sharing services or fashion rental businesses.

I like to include a section about benefits and challenges. Environmental impact is, of course, the #1 benefit, and I outline how these models can reduce waste and promote resource efficiency. There are also economic advantages, and I discuss the revenue stability from subscriptions and cost savings from resource efficiencies. Of course, there is another side to the coin, so I also need to talk about the challenges and address barriers such as consumer acceptance, logistics of returns, and initial setup costs.

Case studies are also a nice component to add. There are already real-world examples that I can share, detailing businesses that have successfully integrated both economies.

A section in my talk about future trends and opportunities always goes down well. There are market trends to explore, such as advancements in recycling technology or shifts in consumer behavior. I can also identify areas ripe for innovation, such as new materials or digital platforms that facilitate circularity through subscriptions.

I always end with a call to action. Change requires action! I like to encourage businesses, policymakers, and consumers to consider and support models that promote both subscription and circular economy practices. Entrepreneurs play a huge part in these sectors and can benefit a lot as well. I suggest actionable steps to transition (home and office) towards these models, like designing for disassembly or implementing a take-back program.