Switch to Circular Economy Value Chains

Lower-tier suppliers in developing countries often face significant technical and financial challenges in adopting new circular economy practices. On the other hand, EU multinational companies (MNC) leading global value chains have influence over their products from the research and development, through the manufacturing and distribution, up to the usage and post-consumption cycle. The SWITCH Programme will use EU MNC - led pilot projects in selected value chains to demonstrate how their suppliers - MSMEs (small to medium-sized enterprises) can be empowered to implement circular economy practices in developing countries. By encouraging collaboration platforms for multinationals and their lower-tier suppliers, the project also enables sharing of experience and best practices. SWITCH contributes to the achievement of multiple Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Resilient Infrastructure and Sustainable Industrialization), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The programme is co-funded by the European Union and the Government of Finland.