Members Co., Ltd. Launches 'Circular Expert Training Program' to Lead Corporate Transitions to a Circular Economy

Members Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Representative Director and President: Akihiko Takano, TSE Prime: 2130, hereinafter 'Members') will begin offering the 'Circular Expert Training Program Basic Course' on June 30, 2026. This program supports the development of practical human resources responsible for leading corporate transitions to a circular economy.

The program combines an online course for systematically learning the knowledge required to build business models—from the basics of the circular economy and domestic/international trends to the utilization of digital technology and PaaS (Product as a Service)—with unique workshops utilizing the 'Circularity Deck' to support the creation of circular business models. Additionally, a community of practice will be provided for participants to share case studies and exchange information.

With a target of 1,000 program participants, Members aims to support the development and production of circular human resources who will drive the transition of companies to a circular economy.

Furthermore, prior to the launch of the program, an online seminar will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026. In this seminar, experts will explain the latest trends surrounding the circular economy, as well as challenges and solutions for companies, in addition to introducing the program.

For details and registration for the seminar 'How to Overcome the Biggest Wall in Promoting the Circular Economy: A Shortage of Professional Talent - What is the Circular Expert Training Program?':
URL: https://www.members.co.jp/seminar/20260521_cdx_cep

## Background

To solve global environmental challenges, ensure economic security, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and revitalize local regions, there is an urgent need to transition to a circular economy—a new economic system that balances natural regeneration with economic growth. The Japanese government is accelerating its promotion as a national strategy, aiming to expand the related market scale to over 80 trillion yen by 2030, and officially adopting the 'Circular Economy Action Plan' in April 2026. In this context, companies are required to undergo fundamental transformations, such as responding to environmental regulations and information disclosure, and resolving resource constraints and supply chain risks.

Since 2021, Members has been deploying workshops utilizing the 'Circularity Deck' for companies and developing circular business personnel. Since 2025, it has provided the 'Circular DX Service' to support research, business model construction, and DPP introduction. Through this support, the company has received requests from clients wanting to not only understand the concept of the circular economy but also cultivate the human resources responsible for the transition.

In response to these growing needs, Members is launching the 'Circular Expert Training Program Basic Course,' systematizing the knowledge it has cultivated so far.

## Program Overview

This program covers everything from the basic knowledge necessary for companies to promote a circular economy to specific methods utilizing digital technology. By combining online courses and workshops, it aims for participants to acquire practical basics in a short period of time. After the course, a practical community is also provided where participants can continuously share the latest trends and case studies, and exchange information with each other.

This program is provided by the 'Circular DX Company,' a specialized organization within Members that develops circular economy support businesses.

### (1) Program Contents

**Online Course**

- Contents
- Background and necessity of the circular economy, international rules, and national strategies
- Basics of circular models, vein industries, and arterial-venous coordination
- Mindset, systems thinking, and change management to lead transformation
- Format
- Viewing on-demand video content (3 sessions in total, approximately 15-20 minutes each)
- After completing all courses, a certificate of completion can be obtained

**Workshop**

- Contents
- A circular business model creation workshop utilizing the 'Circularity Deck' framework
- Building practical ideas utilizing internal assets through idea generation using cards
- Format
- Conducted online or in-person (approximately 3 hours)

**Community of Practice**

- A 'students-only community' that serves as a place for mutual learning with peers facing the same challenges, as well as a co-creation space for resolving practical business issues with the help of Members
- Sharing the latest trends and practical case studies related to the circular economy

### (2) Target Audience

- Anticipated challenges and concerns
- Recognizing the necessity of a circular economy, but not knowing how to specifically proceed internally or incorporate it into the business
- Wanting to consider new business in the circular economy domain
- Wanting not just to acquire knowledge, but to practically reconstruct a business model