Circular Economy & Waste

The Challenge

Only 6.9% of resources entering the global economy are secondary materials

The circular economy is built around creating a closed-loop system for the production and consumption of goods, where waste and pollution are minimised and resources are conserved. Currently, only 6.9% of materials in the global economy come from secondary sources – meaning most resources are extracted, used once, and discarded.
We work with cities, start-ups, and circular ventures to identify financing solutions where the value created by circular economy models forms a compelling part of the overall business case. Drawing on our impact investment network and circularity expertise, we provide financial advisory support that helps these entities structure investment-ready propositions, and facilitate relationships with the right private capital and grant providers, including foundations.

How BwB Works in Circular Economy & Waste

Circular Value Assessment

Quantifying the economic value created by circular economy flows within a city or system, including waste reduction, resource recovery, employment, and co-benefit modelling.

Financial Solution Design

Identifying and designing financial solutions where circular value forms a compelling business case – selecting the most appropriate instruments, including impact bonds, blended facilities, redeemable equity funds, and circular economy-specific investment vehicles, for a specific project or context.

Investment Vehicle Structuring

Designing the financial architecture of investment vehicles – from single-project bonds to multi-asset circular economy funds – to ensure they are structured and appropriately de-risked for target providers of capital.

Key Instruments and Solutions

Impact Bonds

Pay-for-results financing instruments that link investor returns to verified circular economy outcomes, including waste diversion, material recovery, and job creation.

Blended Circular Economy Facilities

Multi-tranche blended finance facilities that combine public grants and private capital to finance city-wide circular economy infrastructure and projects. 

Closed-Loop Investment Vehicles

Dedicated financing structures designed to fund circular economy activities, where capital and returns are reinvested within the same resource system – enabling cities and businesses to scale circular models sustainably.

Gender-Integrated Circular Economy Finance

Circular economy financing structures that incorporate gender-lens investing principles, recognising women as key participants in circular economy value chains and workforces.

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