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 80m – EUR 150m
SDG alignments: 6, 9, 11, 12, 13
Thematic reports: Investing in a circular and waste-free Europe

What are challenges

CO2 Emissions

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

Ecosystem degradation

7 of 9 planetary boundaries crossed
In addition to climate change, materials contribute to pushing the planetary boundaries on freshwater, novel entities and ecosystems in the wrong direction

Value loss

EUR 78bn lost p.a.
Each year the European material system loses over EUR 78bn due to the linear (vs. circular) economy

Raw material dependency

98-100% EU dependency on critical raw materials
The EU relies on China for 98-100% of its supply of several critical raw materials, including heavy rare earth elements and magnesium

Water, soil and air pollution

71% of EU waters do not meet good chemical standards
Only a minority of Europe’s rivers, lakes, and coastal waters meet EU standards, reflecting widespread pressures from agriculture, industry, and urbanization