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Circularity

We invest in

A path to sustainability

In a world where resource scarcity is becoming a pressing issue, companies that adopt circular economy principles can thrive. By rethinking water access and security, fostering reuse business models, optimizing product design and creating circular loops for waste and water recycling, we can invest in companies generating attractive financial value, while reducing environmental impact and preserving people health.

The circular economy directly addresses some of the most critical and complex issues of our time: water stress, CO2 emissions from materials, biodiversity loss, and dependence on imports. The EU Taxonomy framework serves as our guiding compass for investing in companies that deliver essential services and enhance quality of life – by leading the way in circularity, zero-pollution strategies, and water security solutions.

Sub themes

Waste & recycling, water, depollution, sustainable materials

Theme lead

bertrand.camus@summaequity.com

Current investments

3

Exited investments

2

Investment range

EUR 40-200 m

SDG alignments

6, 9, 11, 12, 13

What are challenges

CO2 Emissions

Materials account for ~1/3 of global CO2 emissions, driving the need to decarbonize to prevent further resource depletion and biodiversity loss

  • Steel, aluminum, plastics, cement, and food system generate 15 bn tons of CO2 emissions annually
  • Each year the European material system loses over EUR 78 billion due to the lack of a circular economy

Water stress

Intensifying climate risks are threatening water security with 700 million people potentially displaced due to intense water scarcity by 2030

  • Investment and consumption patterns are forcing a strategic pivot towards adaptation vs. mitigation
  • The traditional separation of water quantity, quality and continuity is no longer tenable: when one fails, all parameters are challenged

Air pollution

Air pollution was responsible of 8.1 million premature death in 2021, making it the second leading risk factor for mortality worldwide. It remains a major global health challenge, with a particularly heavy toll on the most vulnerable populations (of these more than 700,000 deaths were among children under the age of 5)

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What are solutions

Zero waste

Circularity can reduce emission with ~45% by 2050, tackling majority of emissions not addressed by the energy transition

  • Reduce and Reuse business models have >300 bn 2040 market potential
  • >200 Mt primary material could be avoided through increased Recycling
  • Residual waste can turn into renewable or low-carbon energy

Water health and preservation

Unprecedented investment effort ($22.6 trillion by 2050) needs flowing not just into conventional upgrades, but into adaptive solutions and systems resilience:

  • Dams and drainage systems that can handle unprecedented flood
  • Alternative water sources like recycling and desalination
  • Smaller, smarter, closer, decentralized water systems
  • Automation, real-time and AI-driven water monitoring

Pollution prevention and control

High-benefit investment scheme for clean air solutions: the multiplier effect for each dollar spent to improve air quality is estimated to 30

  • Air Pollution Control solutions and real-time detection systems
  • Safe treatment of hazardous substances following Best Available Techniques (BAT)
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Investments in this theme

Latest readings

Summa Equity announces exit from Documaster

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Inspiring leadership for impact: Summa Equity’s CEO Learning Journey at Harvard Business School

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Summa Equity owned myneva Group continues its growth journey with the acquisition of DM EDV

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Measuring what matters: How impact accounting redefines sustainability measurement

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Summa Equity completes EUR 800m Fortum Recycling & Waste acquisition, combining with NG Group: “We are creating the Nordic leader in the circular economy”

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Summa Equity merges Sengenics into Standard BioTools to broaden its proteomics offering

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Does your company solve global challenges?

Summa is always on the lookout for innovative organizations that are tackling global challenges and making a positive impact on the world. We are always interested in connecting with like-minded individuals and companies who share our passion for creating a sustainable future.