Economic justification for the implementation of a circular economy

Abstract

Introduction. This case study examines the economic justification for the implementation of a circular economy. The case study is structured in 2 parts. The first part describes the principles of circular economy and business models, covering the theoretical basis of this study. The theoretical basis includes a description of the principles of circular economy and the possible implementation of these principles in business operations. The second part evaluates the impact of the introduction of circular economy principles and business model on the company's financial performance and company value. The methods used are economic evaluation and investment decision methods and financial analysis, modeling and forecasting. The limitations are the research based on one company and the fact that the financial statement for 2019 was not submitted at the time of writing; however the results obtained are applicable to other companies and industries. The principles of circular economics and business models described in this case study can serve as a example for companies considering implementing the principles of circular economy in business operations. Aim and tasks. The purpose of the study is to determine what the principles of circular economy are, how to implement them in business and how their implementation affects business results and company value. Following tasks have been defined in order to achieve the aim: describe the principles of circular economy, business and financing models; to analyze the business models of the circular economy in Latvia and in the world and to evaluate the impact of the implementation of the principles of circular economy and business model on the company's financial indicators and the company's value. Results. Evaluating the investments made by the company AS “Cēsu Alus” and the planned investment projects related to the modernization of production equipment and improvement of efficiency, it can be concluded that the implementation of circular economy investment projects will be profitable. The company has opportunities to continue the investment project program; moreover, based on the experience of similar companies studied, AS “Cēsu Alus” can create additional revenue streams for the company when adopting circular economy principles. Conclusions. Investing the company's funds in investment projects designed to improve the company's efficiency, ensuring resource savings and efficient use, which in turn leads to financial savings, the company's value increases significantly, thus concluding that circular economy investment projects that save resources and improve the efficiency of the company will make the greatest contribution to increasing the value of the company.