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A research-based innovation tool that helps professionals generate business ideas inspired by living systems.​

Nature's Playbook

Ecological Design Thinking
for a Circular Economy

Frontcover of Nature's Playbook
About

About

Nature’s Playbook is a research-based tool led by Dr Emma H. E. Fromberg and supported by the Centre for Sustainable Business at King’s College London.

 

Building on four years of doctoral research on ecological metaphors for circular economy innovation, the tool translates insights from nature into practical strategies for sustainability and circular economy professionals.

By working with ecological principles, users learn to strengthen their systems thinking, unlock new perspectives on circularity challenges, and turn lessons from the natural world into concrete actions they can apply in their own context.

The tool is designed for individuals and teams who seek to integrate more regenerative approaches into their business practice. Whether used in a facilitated workshop or as a reflective prompt for individual learning, Nature’s Playbook offers a structured and imaginative way for organisations to draw inspiration from living systems and rethink how they create value.

My Books

The Tool

Nature's Playbook is sold internationally through the King's College London e-store. 

Free Download: Ecological Patterns Bingo

Before engaging with the tool, participants are invited to take part in an outdoor exercise called “Ecological Patterns Bingo.”

 

A free worksheet can be downloaded below. 

Ecological Patterns Bingo
Ecological Patterns Bingo Instructions
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In the press

Work with the Team

Bring Nature’s Playbook

to your organisation with

a tailored, facilitated session.

Bespoke Workshops

Events

  • ReThink Hong Kong
    ReThink Hong Kong
    Thu, Sep 10
    Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Cent
    Sep 10, 2026, 9:00 AM – Sep 11, 2026, 5:30 PM
    Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Cent, 1號 Expo Dr, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
    Meet the team behind Nature's Playbook at ReThink Hong Kong. More information and tickets: https://rethink-event.com/
  • Sustainable Industry Live
    Sustainable Industry Live
    Thu, Oct 22
    Science and Industry Museum
    Oct 22, 2026, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
    Science and Industry Museum, Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4JP, UK
    Come visit the Nature's Playbook stand at Sustainable Industry Live. More information and tickets: https://sustainableindustry.co.uk/sustainable-industry-live
  • Circular Economy Coastal Retreat
    Circular Economy Coastal Retreat
    Thu, Oct 29
    Lulworth Cove, United Kingdom
    Oct 29, 2026, 6:00 PM GMT – Nov 01, 2026, 11:00 AM GMT
    Lulworth Cove, United Kingdom, Lulworth Cove, United Kingdom
    Join for an immersive on-site event with circular economy experts, practitioners and enthusiasts.
  • Ecological Design Thinking for a Circular Economy (short course, indicative dates)
    Ecological Design Thinking for a Circular Economy (short course, indicative dates)
    Dec 11, 2026, 12:10 PM – 5:30 PM
    King's College London, Strand, London WC2R 2LS, UK
    Ecological Design Thinking for a Circular Economy is a 5-hour, in-person executive workshop designed for business professionals and organisational leaders seeking new ways to approach circular economy challenges.

Testimonials

"By using natural systems as prompts for new thinking, you're able to widen your perspective and generate the kind of novel solutions that lead to a new shared understanding or genuine breakthrough."

Cherie Nelson, Consultant at Materiality Studio

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"I would warmly recommend this tool to anyone looking to make a meaningful difference in their work and support the transition to more socially and environmentally sustainable practices."

Sini Rinne-Kerridge, Strategy and Impact Consultant

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"This is a truly valuable learning opportunity for anyone working in or wanting to learn more about sustainability, innovation, or systems change."

Ross Phillips, Sustainable Transport Manager at Cross River Partnership

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"It's a great opportunity to become comfortable with analysing issues and develop solutions through a circularity lens. Those interested in circular economy and unsure how to get started, will probably walk away with tools and methods making system change feel much more feasible"

Kristian Ott Milbo, Ideation & Solutions Specialist at DS Smith

Join the Club

Join our email list and stay up to date about the tool, workshops and retreats!

You can unsubscribe at any stage. 

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Contact

For any enquiries, please fill in the form below:

King's College London 

Centre for Sustainable Business

Melbourne House
44-46 Aldwych 

WC2B4LL London


Email: sustainablebusiness@kcl.ac.uk

All graphic design of the physical toolkit is by Cherry Anderson: Designs for an Emerging World.

 

Cherry supports purpose-led organisations to bring their world-changing vision to life through engaging, accessible communications and branding.

© 2026 by Nature's Playbook

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