HomeResearch & Knowledgeback to HomeSustainabilityback to Research & KnowledgeRagn-Sells: From company in crisis to circular sustainability championback to Sustainability

Case Study

Ragn-Sells: From company in crisis to circular sustainability champion

By Florian Hoos and Valerie Keller-Birrer

24 pages

November 2024

Order this case study

Reference: IMD-7-2567

This case highlights Ragn-Sells’ remarkable journey from facing financial difficulties to establishing itself as a global authority on the circular economy and sustainability. In 2015, Pär Larshans joined the Swedish waste management company during a period of financial uncertainty, prompting a re-evaluation of its business strategy. Through a comprehensive trend scouting process, Ragn-Sells identified key opportunities within mega trends, notably focusing on planetary boundaries and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which became central to its future direction. Over nearly a decade, Ragn-Sells underwent a profound transformation and cultural shift. It pioneered innovative approaches such as recycling phosphorus and other nutrients from waste instead of mining them, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy. Early recognition of its efforts followed, with Ragn-Sells being honored as an “Innovation of Leadership” ambassador for the SDGs in 2018 and invited to present its achievements at the UN in New York. Leveraging this recognition, Larshans embarked on a mission of knowledge sharing, utilizing public speaking engagements and early adoption of LinkedIn to promote Ragn-Sells’ innovative solutions and foster collaboration. Looking ahead, Larshans contemplated Ragn-Sells’ next steps, exploring emerging mega trends beyond the SDGs and formulating strategic plans for continued success.

Learning Objective

Understand Ragn-Sells’ development of a long-term strategy based on major societal trends.
Understand the impact of long-term sustainability strategies on growth and culture
Appreciate the challenges for mid-sized companies transforming through sustainability
Gain insights into innovation methods and long-term trend scouting
Explore circular business models

Keywords

Sustainability, Family Business, Environmental Social and Governance, Circularity, Sustainable Innovation, Decarbonization, Renewable Energy, Cultural Change, Collaboration, Stakeholder Management, Communication, Recycling, Knowledge Sharing, Mega Trend, Planetary Boundary Framework, Mining, Climate Action

Settings

Europe, Sweden
Ragn-Sells Group, Utilities, Recycling
2015-2024

Type

Field Research

Available Languages

English

Related material

Teaching note, Video

IMD case studies are distributed through case clearing houses. In order to browse the collection and purchase copies please visit the links below.

The Case Centre

Cranfield University

Wharley End Beds MK43 0JR, UK
Tel +44 (0)1234 750903
Email [email protected]

Harvard Business School Publishing

60 Harvard Way, Boston MA 02163, USA
Tel (800) 545-7685 Tel (617)-783-7600
Fax (617) 783-7666
Email [email protected]

Asia Pacific Case Center

NUCB Business School

1-3-1 Nishiki Naka
Nagoya Aichi, Japan 460-0003
Tel +81 52 20 38 111
Email [email protected]

IMD retains all proprietary interests in its case studies and notes. Without prior written permission, IMD cases and notes may not be reproduced, used, translated, included in books or other publications, distributed in any form or by any means, stored in a database or in other retrieval systems. For additional copyright information related to case studies, please contact Case Services.

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Keep reading

Video

Sustainable Transformation - Strategy - Leadership

Aligning purpose with profit, fostering innovation, and building resilience can transform sustainability challenges into business opportunities.

Sustainability

By Julia Binder and Knut Haanaes

in I by IMD

Article

How Natura &Co and other eco-pioneers sowed the seeds of positive change

The Brazilian cosmetics company works with Amazonian communities to promote sustainable business practices. Respecting nature, upholding communities as key stakeholders, addressing social issues, and focusing on results are essential components of...

Sustainability

By Robert Chatwin and Sophie Bacq

in I by IMD

Article

Business and Science - Partners for sustainability

Business sustainability can be promoted by reconciling corporate objectives with scientific insights.

Sustainability

By Amanda Williams, John N. Parker, Steve Kennedy and Gail Whiteman

in I by IMD

Article

Business and Science - Partners for sustainability

Business sustainability can be promoted by reconciling corporate objectives with scientific insights.

Sustainability

By Amanda Williams, John N. Parker, Steve Kennedy and Gail Whiteman

in I by IMD

Case Study

Sheng Siong Supermarket in Singapore: A unique values-based advantage?

Family Business Customer Centricity Leadership

By Marleen Dieleman, Yunfei Feng and Yu Jing Gan

Article

Lessons from a legacy: Keeping business and family in balance to create a multigenerational enterprise

Fourth-generation family member Bruce Grossman tells IMD’s Peter Vogel about his successes and failures in establishing structures to unify the family enterprise and the lessons he hopes the next generations will take from the experience.

Family Business Business Transformation

By Peter Vogel

in I by IMD

14 January 2025

Report

Lead the change: Pushing past roadblocks to drive sustainable business transformation in Europe

In today’s rapidly changing world, the urgency to maintain focus on sustainability has never been greater. While the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution demands immediate action, new challenges such as geopo...

Sustainability Business Transformation Innovation Leadership

By Julia Katharina Binder, Mahwesh Khan, Esther Salvi, Divya Bhatia, Florent Andrillon, Juliette De Maupeou and Liza Garay de Vaubernier

10 January 2025

Article

Eliminating roadblocks to sustainable business transformation

Companies need clear guidance to achieve sustainable business transformation. A practical roadmap identifying drivers for effective change can make success more likely.

Strategy Sustainability

By Julia Katharina Binder

in I by IMD

10 January 2025

Article

How to get your kids engaged in the entrepreneurial family galaxy

Family businesses hold a unique place in the economic and social landscape. They represent not just entrepreneurship but also heritage, values and a legacy passed down through generations.

Family Business Organizational Behavior Entrepreneurship

By Alfredo De Massis and Emanuela Rondi

in Belfast Telegraph

8 January 2025

Article

Use head, heart, and hands to lead sustainable transformation

Effective leadership, a clear narrative, and a shared vision are vital ingredients for bringing lasting change.

Leadership Sustainability

By Julia Katharina Binder and Knut Bjarne Haanaes

in I by IMD

3 January 2025

Sheng Siong Supermarket in Singapore: A unique values-based advantage?

By Marleen Dieleman Yunfei Feng and Yu Jing Gan
Case reference: IMD-7-2589 ©2025

Summary

Founded by Lim Hock Chee in 1985, Sheng Siong has evolved from a humble grocery store into a leading supermarket chain in Singapore, renowned for its cost-effective pricing and commitment to customer satisfaction. Mr Lim’s unique philosophy, which emphasizes self-cultivation, perseverance and positivity, has been instrumental in shaping Sheng Siong’s culture and driving its success. Under his guidance, Sheng Siong has grown to over 74 stores, expanded into China and embraced digital innovation while staying true to its heartland roots. However, with evolving consumer behavior and increasing competition from online platforms, Sheng Siong faces new challenges. Can Mr Lim’s philosophy continue to inspire innovation and guide Sheng Siong toward sustained growth and success in the future?

Reference IMD-7-2589

Organization Sheng Siong Group

Industry Consumer Services, Retail

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Family Business

Customer Centricity

Leadership

Browse all topics

Lessons from a legacy: Keeping business and family in balance to create a multigenerational enterprise

By Peter Vogel
in I by IMD 14 January 2025

Summary

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Family Business

Business Transformation

Browse all topics

Lead the change: Pushing past roadblocks to drive sustainable business transformation in Europe

By Julia Katharina Binder Mahwesh Khan Esther Salvi Divya Bhatia Florent Andrillon Juliette De Maupeou and Liza Garay de Vaubernier
10 January 2025

Summary

Available Languages English

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Sustainability

Business Transformation

Innovation

Leadership

Browse all topics

How to get your kids engaged in the entrepreneurial family galaxy

By Alfredo De Massis and Emanuela Rondi
in Belfast Telegraph 8 January 2025

Summary

Family businesses hold a unique place in the economic and social landscape. They represent not just entrepreneurship but also heritage, values and a legacy passed down through generations.

Contact

Research Information & Knowledge Hub for additional information on IMD publications

Related topics

Family Business

Organizational Behavior

Entrepreneurship

Browse all topics