How a Refractory Leader Tripled its Recycling Rate

The Challenge

A global supplier of refractory products wanted to scale battery recycling and make circularity pay. In one year we used the Circular Economy Navigator to pick the right business model, test it with customers and build a roadmap. The work led to a joint venture that tripled the company's recycling rate and cut waste costs.

Our Approach

We approached this engagement using our proven four-phase methodology: Diagnose, Design, Deliver, Scale. Beginning with a comprehensive diagnostic — stakeholder interviews, competitive benchmarking and internal capability mapping — we established a clear baseline before any strategic options were proposed.

In the design phase, we co-created strategic options with the leadership team using the St. Gallen Business Model Navigator framework. Each option was stress-tested against real market conditions and validated with external stakeholders. This rigorous process ensured that only the most viable paths forward were pursued.

Results & Impact

The engagement delivered tangible results on multiple levels: strategic clarity for the leadership team, a validated roadmap with clear priorities, and the internal capability to execute independently. Most critically, the organisation left with new ways of thinking that will compound over time.

This case exemplifies the Seconds approach to transformation: grounding every recommendation in rigorous method, maintaining entrepreneurial speed throughout, and ensuring that by the end of the engagement, the client team is stronger — not dependent.