The transition to a circular economy and its corresponding differences in the way businesses are organised have two main challenges. The first is the need for a business to maintain control over its resources. This means that products need to be tracked and returned once they are no longer in use. The second challenge is to preserve a product at its highest value and optimise its residual value.

To maintain control of resources and preserve a product's value, various business activities must take place. These different business activities can be placed into four categories on the Value Hill: Circular Design, Optimal Use, Value Recovery, and Network Organisation. In order for these activities to be successful, collaboration between the circular value network partners is essential.