Profit from garbage? : A case of RotterZwam and the Blue Economy

Absztrakt (kivonat)

In my paper I study the blue economy framework in the case of RotterZwam. First I analyze the framework on a theoretical level in the context of new business models, compared to the industrial ecology and the green ecology model. I introduce the blue economy model in practice through the case study of RotterZwam. RotterZwam is a Dutch company which is using coffee grounds to grow mushrooms and sells these mushrooms to restaurants. My main research question is whether this responsible way of value creation is competitive among the conventional business and other new business models. I outline the advantages and limitations the company is facing due to the applied business model and answer my research question based on looking at the financial and social performance of this blue economy company.