Expertise

Circular business

We currently produce and consume more than the earth can handle, and that growth has reached its limit. The circular economy offers a valuable alternative by disconnecting economic growth from the production of new goods. It focuses on extending product lives, more intensive use of materials and the reuse of raw materials. This approach can significantly reduce CO2 emissions, reduce waste and reduce our dependence on scarce resources. Yet the transition to a circular economy is not a foregone conclusion. There are four crucial aspects that still need to be fully addressed: consumer behavior and support within organizations, ecodesign and quality design, reverse logistics ecosystems, and profitable business models. These factors form the core of our research area.

We focus on the circular economy in various sectors, such as clothing, furniture, electronics, toys and baby items, packaging in the hospitality industry, leisure economy, and social economy.

Our approach is hands-on and collaborative with SMEs and organizations. We investigate financial feasibility, market opportunities and circular consumer behavior, and help companies build internal support for the shift to circular business models. Do you have a circular question of your own about your company or start-up, or would you like to know more about our research? Feel free to contact our researchers. No matter the question, it is our mission to provide answers to circular entrepreneurs through research.

Research projects

Research team

Research line coordinator - Researcher

Marijke Brants

Marijke has been coordinator for the research lines 'data-driven entrepreneurship' and 'sustainable growth' since 2020. Her expertise lies in user and business research in data projects and co-creation processes within the circular economy.

Onderzoeker

Fien Demarest

Fien Demarest is een junior onderzoeker. Ze draagt voornamelijk bij aan projecten binnen de onderzoekslijn circulair ondernemen, waaronder INFINITEX en Size Zero Waste, die zich specifiek richten op de retailsector en circulaire businessmodellen.

Researcher

Michelle Lenaerts

Michelle Lenaerts has worked for Thomas More Mechelen since 2000, where she specialised as a researcher in quantitative data analysis, survey design and data visualisation.

Onderzoeker

Jolien Roedolf

Jolien combineert meer dan vijf jaar ervaring als praktijkdeskundige en onderzoeker in circulair textiel en andere consumptiegoederen.

Researcher

Jelle Van Camp

Jelle supports several research projects in the technical and financial feasibility of innovations, with a focus on ROI and new revenue models. He is also interested in sustainability and circularity in particular.

Onderzoeker

Hanne Vanmarsenille

Binnen de onderzoekslijn Circulair ondernemen is Hanne als onderzoeker verbonden bij het E6 project. Haar focus ligt op het opzetten van lokale samenwerkingen voor het verlengen van de levensduur van elektrische en elektronische apparaten.

Onderzoeker

Linus Zeuwts

Linus is gepassioneerd onderzoeker en datawetenschapper met een belangrijke focus op circulair ondernemen.  Hij is voornamelijk betrokken bij het Living Lab rond herbruikbare verpakkingen in de horecasector (rePACE).