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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 80m – EUR 150m

SDG alignments

6, 9, 11, 12, 13

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

 

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What are solutions

Waste no more

Reuse: reduced consumption, increased utilization, extended lifetime

Recycle: waste sorting, materials recycling

Recover: waste bioeconomy products and carbon recovery (e.g. biochar, biofuels)

Materials efficiency

Reduce: optimized design and specification, high-efficiency production, high-performance and durable materials, renewable / recyclable materials

Water health and integrity

Monitor: digital solutions, and water monitoring services

Clean: water treatment technologies

Pollution prevention and control

Monitor: control emissions

Decontaminate: treatment of industrial air pollution, and safe treatment of hazardous waste

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Investments in this theme

Latest readings

Summa Equity wins double honors at Real Deals Sustainable Investment Awards 2025

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Reflections from the Summa Summit and our 9th Annual Investor Meeting 2025

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Summa Equity completes full exit of Infobric

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Investing in cybersecurity for a secure and resilient digital future

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myneva Group, part of Summa Equity, acquires Kuidado GmbH and strengthens digitalization in social sector

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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.