Our Circular Opportunity & System Analysis
Behind every bold circular move is a rock solid understanding of the system it operates within.
Before launching a pilot, designing a program, or scaling a solution, organizations need clarity on waste streams, stakeholders, policies, markets, and opportunities for change.
We help you map these systems and identify practical opportunities for circular impact.
Why start with system analysis?
Circular economy transitions often fail when solutions are implemented before the system is fully understood.
Waste streams, supply chains, regulations, market incentives, and stakeholder dynamics all shape what is possible.
Circular opportunity and system analysis helps organizations:
Identify the most promising intervention points
Avoid costly missteps
Align initiatives with policy, market and funding realities
Build strong foundations for circular programs and pilots
What this service can include
Every project is tailored to the context and goals of the organization. Projects typically range from short diagnostic studies to multi-month system mapping initiatives, depending on scope. System analysis work often includes:
-
Mapping circular value chains, waste streams, and stakeholder ecosystems.
-
Understanding where resources are lost and where circular opportunities exist.
-
Assessing regulatory drivers, funding opportunities, and market conditions.
-
Establishing the current environmental or social baseline before launching new initiatives.
-
Identifying practical entry points for circular pilots, programs, or partnerships.
You might need this support if…
You want to explore circular economy opportunities but don’t know where to start
You need evidence before launching a pilot program
You’re preparing a funding proposal or grant application
You need a clear understanding of waste streams or material flows
You’re entering a new market or region and need context first
You want to identify the highest-impact intervention points
Sample Past Projects
-
![]()
Literature Review: Sustainable Livelihoods (GEAPP)
We worked closely with partners to deliver multiple in-depth literature reviews exploring sustainable livelihoods and just transitions for a global energy access initiative.
-
![]()
Benchmarking: In-space Plastic Polymer Recycling (NASA)
We conducted a scan to benchmark available technology for NASA to address in-space plastic recycling.
-
![]()
Landscaping: Circular & Inclusive Digital Futures for Uganda (CIDFU) Programme
We led research and partner mapping for a multi-stakeholder consortium across continents in order to address post-consumer ICT waste, circular entrepreneurship, and digital access & skills for Ugandan urban and rural communities.
“We had the pleasure of working together last year on the impact report for Delen is Helen, and [TWNS’s] impact assessment made a real difference. [They] helped us translate soft values of the weggeefwinkel into numbers, insights and a story that potential sponsors and supporters could understand. So yes: if anyone is looking for solid, funder-ready impact reporting grounded in circular thinking, I can highly recommend working with [them].”
— Karola (Delen in Helen WegGeefWinkel)