WWF Japan and GCNJ launch guide for corporate circular economy transition

The World Wide Fund for Nature Japan (WWF Japan) and the Global Compact Network Japan (GCNJ) announced the publication of a new strategic guide on 23 October. The Japanese edition of the “Circular Economy Strategy Guide: A step-by-step guide for impact-oriented companies in the Circular Economy” aims to provide a practical framework for businesses to shift towards circular operations.

In face of the urgent need for economic transformation in the face of the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and pollution, the guide frames the circular economy as a new system that decouples economic growth from the traditional linear model of mass resource consumption. The publication acknowledges that developing a comprehensive circular strategy is a complex process for many companies.

This 108-page document is a Japanese version of a guide originally published by WWF Germany and the UN Global Compact Network Germany in December 2024. The new edition, created in collaboration with the GCNJ Circular Economy Subcommittee, includes additional content and case studies specifically tailored to the Japanese business context.

The guide offers a step-by-step framework to help companies of any size or sector formulate and execute an impact-oriented circular economy strategy. It provides a range of methods, tools and practical examples from both European and Japanese firms. An appendix also summarises relevant legal regulations in Japan, Germany and the European Union, alongside a list of other resources and support programmes. A key feature allows companies to select appropriate tools based on their current level of circularity maturity.

WWF Japan and GCNJ stated their expectation that the guide will serve as a vital resource for Japanese companies. The organisations hope it will help accelerate the understanding and implementation of the circular economy across Japanese industry.

The guide is available for download from the WWF Japan website.