Circular Economy for SMEs & Local Value Chains

The circular economy is one of BVNG’s core pillars. Since our founding in 2013, we have worked with more than 600 SMEs across Germany, helping them implement sustainability strategies and embed circular practices into their operations and training systems.

Our experience demonstrates that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are both vulnerable to and essential for the sustainability transition. While often lacking resources compared to large corporations, they play a central role in local economies and urban ecosystems. BVNG supports SMEs by adapting tools and strategies usually reserved for large firms, making them accessible and practical at smaller scales.

We offer:

• Consulting approaches that help SMEs embed resource efficiency and closed-loop practices into daily business.

• Development of training and qualification programs on circular economy principles for SME staff, apprentices, and trainers.

• Support for municipalities and public procurement processes to integrate circularity into supply chains and local markets.

• Platforms for peer exchange and best practices among SMEs, enabling knowledge transfer and scaling.

Our approach combines practical business guidance with educational innovation, ensuring that the circular economy is embedded not only in products and services but also in skills and workforce development.

Within DUT projects, we can contribute methodologies, curricula, and consulting expertise to strengthen the circular urban economies agenda. We are particularly interested in applying these methods in collaboration with cities and local industries to create resilient, sustainable value chains.