PA Consulting Group has become a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Economy 100 (CE100) programme – an exclusive platform which brings together stakeholders from public and private sector to support circular economy ambitions.
Established in 2010 with the aim of accelerating the transition to the circular economy, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation today is one of the globe’s leading think tanks and networks for circular economy. The Isle of Wight based charity, founded by Ellen MacArthur shortly after she became the fastest solo sailor to circumnavigate the globe, works with decision makers across business, government and academia on research, projects and education.
Circular Economy 100 (CE100) programme
One of the sixteen programmes the Ellen MacArthur Foundation runs is ‘Circular Economy 100’, a hub which brings leaders and innovators from around the world to share experiences and learn together how to unlock the new opportunities arising from a circular economy approach. According to a study released by the charity a few years back, conducted in collaboration with McKinsey & Company (one of its key knowledge partners), on top of the benefits the theory would bring the environment, embracing a circular economy to an achievable potential could represent a €1.8 trillion economic opportunity for mankind.
Realising and capturing the benefits of this systemic transition requires a cross industry and multi-disciplinary approach, and with this in mind the CE100 programme brings together key representatives from corporations, governments, cities, academic institutions and emerging innovators. The CE100 provides corporate members with a collaboration platform and exposure to the latest circular economy developments. Specially developed programme elements help members learn, build capacity, network, and collaborate with key organisations around the circular economy. Projects are currently being executed in the field supply chain optimisation in retail, cotton production, circular mobility in cities and 3D Printing.
Among the 100 members are global brands such as Heineken, Nike, Renault, Unilever and Walmart, H&M and Coca Cola, along with tech giants Google, Cisco and IBM, as well public sector institutions as the office for the Mayor of London. The select group also hosts one player from the consulting industry – PA Consulting Group, a consulting, technology and innovation firm with over 2,500 consultants across the globe.
“We are pleased that PA Consulting Group will be bringing to the programme its expertise in implementing disruptive technological innovation and evolving new business models”, said Casper Jorna, CE100 Programme lead.
Sustainability – an important issue for PA
Commenting on the partnership, Alan Middleton, CEO of PA Consulting Group added: “Sustainable development and the circular economy are important issues for PA, and for our clients. Not just in trying to operate more efficiently and conscientiously, but also in realising the fantastic new business opportunities they provide. PA is proud to be a member of the CE100, working with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation and other organisations at the forefront of circular economy thinking. We believe there is a now a unique opportunity to help organisations to implement circular economy programmes that really make the difference.”
As part of the collaboration, PA will leverage its digital and innovation prowess, led by its Global Technology & Innovation Centre near Cambridge (UK), home to 250 strategists, scientists, engineers and technologists. The consulting firm will also support projects with other capabilities including business design, programme implementation, supply chain innovation and change management.
Other programmes of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation include ‘Circular Cities Network’, ‘Circular Fibres Initiative’ and ‘New Plastics Economy’. The latter programme last year released a study with McKinsey on the impact improved circular flows could have on reducing the use of plastic – an important objective; every year 8 million tons of plastic waste finds its way into the oceans alone.