44 3 Research Method
In this thesis, the objective is to enhance theory on circular economy. Thereforethe case sample is chosen based on the following considerations:
• Object of study: The organizations chosen for this case study officially commu-
nicate on their corporate homepage and/or yearly report their commitment to
closed loop productions systems (e.g. Cradle-to-Cradle) or more specifically
to circular economy. To obtain a good overview, the case studies differ in how
circular economy has been implemented and what stage of implementation
has been reached. Whilst some of the cases just recently decided to implement
circular economy others started several years ago.• Industry: Since implementation modes of circular economy strongly vary, this
thesis focuses on the textile industry (six cases) but also includes the following
industries: parquet (one case), agribusiness (one case) and furniture (one case)
for comparison reasons. Furthermore, this selection of industries shall lead to
better results when it comes to the cross case analysis and the identification of
patterns across industries.• Location: Country specific regulations and laws play an important role if and
to what extent companies commit to closed production systems and circular
economy. China, as the only country worldwide with a circular economy law,
has been excluded from the study. The different schools of thought gravitating
around the basic principles of circular economy are essentially shaped in western
countries such as the USA (e.g. K. Boulding, Ellen MacArthur Foundation) or
Europe (e.g. W. Stahel, M. Braungart). On this account cases with headquarters
either in Europe, Canada or USA have been selected.• Consumer relevance: Since the variety of industries is great, to reduce complexity,
only organizations with products of high closeness (such as textile and furniture)
to the customer have been selected for this case study.For the case selection, an internet search around the topics circular economy, closed
loop production and Cradle-to-Cradle, was conducted to identify organizations
disclosing on their closed-loop production and respectively circular economy
commitment. In an iterative process, 44 cases have been identified as potentially
relevant to this research. After applying all criteria, 20 cases remained relevant and
have been contacted via email. The emails contained a pdf document providing
the high-level research outline with objective, general approach and time line of
the research project. Whilst not every organization was interested in participating
in this study some were willing to have an initial short conversation in order to
determine for sure whether or not they were willing to participate. Others agreed