Sustainable business models in the context of the circular economy. How can a company produce and deliver products using sustainable methods?

Table of Contents

1 Introduction

2 Theoretical Foundation

2.1 The Circular Economy

2.2 Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas

3 Cases

3.1 A Modular Mobile Phone

3.2 A Refurbishment Service for Mobile Phones

4 Analysis

4.1 Methodology

4.2 The Business Model of Fairphone

4.3 The Business Model of Mazuma Mobile

5 Discussion

5.1 Fairphone and Mazuma Mobile in the Context of the Circular Economy

5.2 Implications for Theory and Practice

5.3 Limitations

6 Conclusion

Objectives and Core Topics

This thesis examines the role of business models within the mobile phone industry regarding sustainability and the Circular Economy. By applying Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas to two distinct case studies—Fairphone and Mazuma Mobile—the research investigates how these companies attempt to produce, deliver, and extend the lifecycle of mobile devices using sustainable practices, and evaluates their alignment with circular principles.

• Analysis of sustainable business models in the smartphone industry.
• Application of the Business Model Canvas (BMC) to assess circularity.
• Evaluation of modular design and long-life product strategies (Fairphone).
• Investigation of recommerce and refurbishment services (Mazuma Mobile).
• Interpretation of results through the principles of the Circular Economy.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1 Introduction: This chapter highlights the environmental and social issues in the mobile phone industry, introducing the linear model of production and the potential of sustainable business models.

2 Theoretical Foundation: This chapter establishes the framework by defining the Circular Economy and describing Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas as a tool for analysis.

3 Cases: This chapter presents the two selected case studies, Fairphone and Mazuma Mobile, detailing their origins and core business approaches.

4 Analysis: This chapter applies the Business Model Canvas to both companies to evaluate their business logic, key activities, and efforts toward circular development.

5 Discussion: This chapter interprets how Fairphone and Mazuma Mobile align with Circular Economy principles and discusses the theoretical and practical implications.

6 Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the research findings, reflecting on the industry's need for transition and the contribution of the analyzed business models to a circular future.

Keywords

Circular Economy, Business Model Canvas, Fairphone, Mazuma Mobile, Mobile Phone Industry, Sustainability, Modularity, Refurbishment, Recommerce, Resource Mining, Supply Chain Management, Technical Cycle, Waste Reduction, Conflict Minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this thesis?

The thesis investigates how business models in the mobile phone industry can incorporate sustainable and circular practices to mitigate negative social and environmental impacts.

What are the primary thematic fields covered?

The work focuses on the intersection of the Circular Economy, Business Model innovation, and the electronics industry, specifically analyzing resource management and product lifecycles.

What is the main research objective?

The objective is to analyze and compare the business models of Fairphone and Mazuma Mobile to determine how they implement circular principles and address sustainability challenges.

Which scientific methodology is utilized?

The research employs a qualitative case study methodology, utilizing Osterwalder’s Business Model Canvas as an analytical framework to map and compare the two companies' business logics.

What is addressed in the main body?

The main body covers the theoretical background of the Circular Economy, the detailed case studies of Fairphone and Mazuma Mobile, and a critical discussion of their operational practices against circular design principles.

Which keywords best characterize the work?

Key terms include Circular Economy, Business Model Canvas, sustainable smartphone design, modularity, and resource efficiency.

How does Fairphone specifically contribute to circularity?

Fairphone utilizes a modular design that facilitates repairability and upgrades, aiming to extend the device's lifespan and decrease electronic waste.

What distinguishes Mazuma Mobile's "gap-exploiting" model?

Mazuma Mobile focuses on the collection, refurbishment, and resale of existing devices, effectively extending the lifecycle of used phones that would otherwise be discarded.