Circular manufacturing becomes more valuable when a circular idea is shaped into a solution that users can understand, adopt and bring to the market. To support this process, CIRCULOOS offers two complementary business training programs for manufacturing SMEs, startups, DIHs, EDIHs, circular economy actors, and innovation teams working on circular solutions.
Together, the two sessions create a practical learning pathway: first, participants learn how to design a circular solution around real user needs; then, they explore how to bring that solution to market with a clear value proposition, financial logic and adoption strategy.
Designing circular solutions around real user needs
The first training, “Designing a circular solution that meets real user needs”, focuses on the early design phase of a circular solution.
The session helps participants connect circular economy principles with practical business decisions: reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, closing material loops and creating solutions that are sustainable, viable, collaborative and valuable to users.
A strong circular solution starts with a clear understanding of who it is for and what value it creates. This is why the training introduces practical tools such as the Value Proposition Canvas, Value Chain Canvas, User Capacity Mapping, Circular Business Model and Partnership Design Template.
These tools help companies and support organisations define the circular value proposition, identify user needs, understand available capabilities and map the stakeholders needed to make the solution work.
The training also uses the Olive Pit Valorisation Pilot in Spain as a practical example. This case shows how an underused waste stream can be transformed into bio-based material pellets for applications in cosmetics, packaging and biocomposites.
This example makes circular solution design concrete. It shows how value can be created when materials, users, partners and market applications are considered together from the beginning.
From circular solution to market-ready offer
The second training, “Bringing your solution to market – making it financially viable”, continues the journey from circular solution design to market adoption. Once a circular solution has been defined and validated, the next step is to clarify how it can reach customers, generate value and become financially sustainable.
This training helps participants analyse their target market, identify buyer roles, understand adoption drivers and choose the right commercialisation pathway. It also introduces practical tools, including the Target Market Overview, Go-to-Market Strategy Canvas, Cost-Benefit and ROI calculations, and Pitch Deck essentials.
For circular manufacturing teams, this step is especially important. A circular solution needs more than a strong concept. It needs a clear market position, a realistic route-to-market and a credible business case that can be discussed with customers, partners, investors or funders.
The training also supports investment readiness by helping teams communicate the value of their solution in a structured and convincing way. This includes explaining the market opportunity, the benefits for users, the expected return and the partnerships needed for adoption.
Why these trainings are useful for SMEs, DIHs and EDIHs
For manufacturing SMEs, the two trainings offer a practical way to move from circular ambition to a more structured business opportunity.
For DIHs and EDIHs, they can be used as training or mentoring resources to support SMEs in circular solution design, business model development, exploitation planning and market readiness.
For circular economy stakeholders, the trainings provide a shared language to connect materials, users, partners, value chains and business viability.
The first session helps participants define what the circular solution is, who it serves and what value it creates. The second session helps them prepare the solution for the market by clarifying commercialisation, financial viability and communication to potential funders or partners.
Together, they support a complete circular innovation pathway: from identifying a circular opportunity to preparing a market-ready offer.
A practical pathway for circular manufacturing
CIRCULOOS supports circular manufacturing by combining technical tools, business training and ecosystem collaboration.
These two trainings strengthen the business side of that journey. They help companies design circular solutions that respond to real needs and prepare them for adoption, investment, and long-term impact.
For any SME, DIH or innovation team working on circular manufacturing, this learning pathway offers a clear next step: design the solution, validate its value and prepare it for the market.
Explore the CIRCULOOS trainings and take your circular solution from design to market readiness.