At BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, our purpose is clear: we are committed to unlocking the circular economy to sustain the world we share.

This purpose reflects an ambition. It recognises both the urgency of environmental challenges and the responsibility of financial services to support more sustainable models of production and consumption. It guides our long-term direction and informs how we work with partners at a time when organisations are rethinking business models to balance performance, resilience and sustainability.

We are not claiming to have “solved” circularity. We are on a journey – working step by step with our partners to make circular practices more mature, more scalable and more impactful over time.

What the Circular Economy Means – and Why It Matters 

The circular economy offers an alternative to the traditional linear model of take, make, use, dispose. Instead, it aims to:

• reduce pressure on natural resources
• extend the useful life of products and components
• keep materials and assets in circulation for longer through reuse, refurbishment, remanufacturing and recycling

This transition is now a priority in Europe, notably through the European Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan, which encourages longer product lifespans, improved end-of-life management, and the development of usage-based economic models.

Beyond environmental considerations, circularity also represents a significant economic opportunity. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, circular business models could unlock trillions of dollars of value globally, while helping rebalance resource consumption with ecosystem regeneration.

For businesses, this means rethinking not only how products are designed and manufactured, but also how they are financed, maintained, used and recovered.

Why Usage Matters More Than Ownership

At BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, we see use rather than ownership as a practical lever for advancing circularity.

When assets are financed through usage-based models such as leasing or rental, responsibility for performance and value is shared across the lifecycle. This creates incentives to manage equipment more actively and sustainably.

In practice, usage models can help to:

• optimise asset utilisation through monitoring, servicing and structured maintenance programmes
• extend lifecycles by enabling repair, refurbishment and component replacement rather than premature disposal
• improve end-of-use outcomes by facilitating asset recovery for reuse or recycling

Crucially, usage models make it easier to keep assets within professional management frameworks, where their condition, performance and residual value can be actively managed over time.

Our Commitment in Action

Bringing our purpose to life means working collaboratively across the value chain.

Today, our focus is on:

• supporting partners in developing usage-based commercial offers
• integrating financing into asset lifecycle strategies
• helping to develop secondary markets and asset recovery processes

We recognise that progress depends on collective action. Circularity cannot be delivered by finance alone. It requires alignment between manufacturers, service providers, users, recyclers and policymakers. Our role is to help connect these stakeholders and remove financial barriers to more sustainable practices.

A Journey Towards a Sustainable and Shared Future

At BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, we do more than finance equipment. We support businesses in moving towards more sustainable patterns of consumption – where value is created through performance and longevity, not volume and disposability.

We are still building capabilities. Many circular models remain at an early stage. Measurement frameworks, infrastructure and market maturity continue to evolve. There is more to do.

But by focusing on usage, partnerships and lifecycle management, we are laying practical foundations for progress.

Our purpose reflects this long-term commitment: to unlock the circular economy to sustain the world we share – step by step, together with our partners and clients.

Since 1997, the joint venture (JV) between CNH and BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions has been empowering customers across Central Europe with flexible, integrated financing. By combining industrial and financial expertise, the partnership helps businesses invest efficiently in agricultural and construction equipment – fuelling productivity, innovation, and long-term customer value.

What began as a financial partnership has evolved into a strategic alliance that strengthens sales, deepens customer relationships, and drives transformation across industries.

“The JV allows us to deliver competitive financing solutions directly integrated with equipment sales,” says Doug MacLeod, President, Financial Services at CNH. “It’s not just about funding – it’s about building loyalty and making financing a strategic business driver.”

Operational excellence through collaboration

One of the JV’s greatest strengths is its collaborative governance model. Regular steering meetings and operational reviews enhance coordination, decision-making, innovation and speed to market.

“These structures improve communication and help us act quickly, streamlining information flows and reducing risk,” explains Florence Roussel Pollet, CEO for the JV. “Together, we adapt our processes to local market realities to maintain operational excellence.”

Digitalisation is also transforming the way the JV operates. New self-serve portals for partners and clients, along with tools to track dealer satisfaction, are streamlining sales cycles and embedding a culture of continuous improvement and consistent customer experience.

“Having a joint venture with a trusted partner has allowed us to grow with certainty of funding and a controlled cost of risk,” adds Doug. “Digital tools have made us faster, more agile, and they allow us to provide an exceptional customer experience.”

Financing the future: Sustainability and transformation

As industries transition toward greener, smarter technologies, the JV is helping customers finance sustainable solutions. CNH’s environmental ambitions are reinforced by tailored financial products that support the adoption of alternative energy equipment and circular-economy practices.

“Sustainability is a core focus for us,” notes Doug. “We’re developing financial products that support biomethane and electric machines, remanufactured parts, and insurance solutions that protect against climate-related risks.”

These initiatives directly advance CNH’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy – driving both environmental responsibility and customer resilience.

Supporting new business models

The rise of connected equipment and service-based models is reshaping how customers finance and use machinery. The JV is pioneering flexible options – such as rental and pay-per-use models – integrated with data-driven services that enhance total cost of ownership and customer experience.

“Our latest-generation machines are fully connected,” says Doug. “This creates opportunities for innovative financing models and positions our sales teams as trusted advisors who understand customers’ operational and financial needs.”

A shared vision for the future

Within the JV, roles are clearly defined yet deeply complementary. CNH leads on sales and marketing, while BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions manages underwriting, funding, and customer service. Many functions are co-managed, underpinned by a strong ‘One Team’ mindset that has been developed and reinforced over the years.

“We each bring our strengths to the table,” says Florence. “The key is collaboration and trust – working together toward a single goal: supporting customers and helping them grow.”

As industries continue to evolve toward sustainability, connectivity, and intelligent mobility, the CNH–BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions JV will remain a cornerstone of customer value – combining industrial expertise and financial innovation to help businesses invest, grow, and transform for the future.

As climate change intensifies and resources become increasingly scarce, the traditional linear model of produce – consume – discard is no longer sustainable. Industries, governments, and consumers are all searching for smarter, more resilient alternatives. 

The circular economy provides that alternative. By maximizing resource efficiency, extending equipment lifespans, and reducing waste, it helps both the environment and the bottom line. According to research from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, the transition could unlock $4.5 trillion in economic benefits by 2030. 

One powerful and often underappreciated enabler of this transition is leasing in the circular economy. 

Leasing and the Circular Economy: A Natural Fit 

Built on the principle of access over ownership, leasing sits at the heart of circular thinking. Instead of businesses purchasing equipment outright, leasing allows them to use assets for a defined period. At the end of the term, these assets can be recovered, refurbished, reused, or recycled – keeping products and materials in use longer and reducing waste. 

According to Leaseurope, leasing supports circular business models by enabling: 

• End-to-end lifecycle management of equipment 

• Reduced obsolescence, thanks to upgrade and return options 

• Improved resource efficiency across manufacturing, logistics, and end-of-life processes 

A Powerful Tool for Sustainable Business 

Shifting to usage-based business models helps companies become more agile, cost – effective, and environmentally responsible. The World Economic Forum highlights that these models – such as leasing – can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 20% in certain industrial sectors. 

Key business advantages of leasing: 

• Access to high-performance equipment without large upfront costs 

• Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) over time 

• Improved ESG performance through smart, sustainable asset management 

Leasing transcends traditional financing. It becomes a catalyst for both commercial growth and environmental leadership. 

The Role of Leasing Providers 

Leasing providers are the central champions of circularity – they orchestrate sustainable solutions across industries. 

At BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, we partner with clients to bring these models to life by: 

• Ensuring asset traceability from deployment through return 

• Managing “second – life” strategies, including refurbishment and remarketing 

• Designing comprehensive, circular solutions with maintenance, upgrades, insurance, and recycling built in 

This approach ensures businesses remain competitive while aligning with global sustainability goals. 

Conclusion 

Leasing is far more than a financing tool – it’s a catalyst for the circular economy. It brings the usage – based model into reality, aligning sustainability with operational efficiency and financial performance. 

At BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, we believe the future of leasing is circular. And we’re already building the solutions today to make that future sustainable, scalable, and commercially successful. 

Partner With Us: 
Explore how BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions supports businesses in building resilient, circular models for the future. 

BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions is committed to unlocking the transition towards a circular economy. We’re collaborating with partners and clients to develop innovative solutions that maximise efficiency, minimise waste, and enable sustainable growth. 

A prime example is our strategic Joint Venture, BNP Paribas 3 Step IT, delivering a comprehensive solution that covers the entire technology lifecycle – from procurement and asset management to responsible decommissioning – ensuring business devices are securely refurbished for their next use. 

In this exclusive interview, our Chief Sustainability Officer, Andrey Maramzine, shares insights on how forward-thinking organisations are revolutionising their approach to technology management to drive greater value while reducing environmental impact. 

Interviewer: How would you characterise technology’s role in today’s organisational landscape? 

Andrey: Technology has become the backbone of organisational agility and competitiveness. While digital needs vary significantly across industries and businesses, technology universally enhances efficiency, productivity, and connectivity. It will undoubtedly remain instrumental in helping organisations achieve sustainable growth and strategic objectives in the years ahead. 

Interviewer: What critical challenges do organisations face in managing their technology assets? 

Andrey: Today’s technology management occurs against a backdrop of urgent challenges: climate crisis, resource constraints, complex global supply chains, evolving cybersecurity threats, and regulatory requirements. 

These factors significantly impact an organisation’s operational resilience and ability to meet stakeholder expectations, making them essential considerations in any technology strategy. 

Interviewer: How does BNP Paribas 3 Step IT help customers navigate these complex challenges? 

Andrey: We’ve developed a comprehensive circular solution that guides customers through the entire technology journey – procurement, asset management, decommissioning, and replacement – within a single integrated service. 

Our Technology Lifecycle Management approach represents a shift in IT asset handling. Through our all-inclusive service contracts, organisations access cutting-edge equipment, manage assets efficiently via our platform, and ensure devices are securely and sustainably refurbished when no longer needed, before being remarketed. 

Interviewer: What compelling reasons should motivate businesses to embrace circular technology management? 

Andrey: The standout advantage is proactive risk management from day one. Organisations immediately address critical concerns – data security, financial optimisation, regulatory compliance, and environmental impact – through a unified solution. 

Our clients recognise that technology investments must deliver strong returns while meeting heightened responsibility standards. Technology Lifecycle Management delivers this balanced approach, combining operational excellence, financial efficiency, enhanced security, and environmental sustainability without compromise. 

Interviewer: Thank you for sharing these insights into solutions making meaningful differences for organisations and transforming technology management practices. 

Andrey: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important developments. 

Download our comprehensive whitepaper, ‘The Circular Opportunity: Harnessing the Power of Product-as-a-Service’.

By sharing these perspectives, we aim to champion sustainable growth solutions and progress meaningful conversations with our partners and clients on opportunities presented by the circular economy transition. 

As the global population continues to expand, the construction industry plays a crucial role in meeting the rising demand for housing, infrastructure, and commercial spaces. However, this growth comes with significant challenges, including labor shortages, increasing material costs, and supply chain disruptions. At the same time, sustainability is becoming an urgent concern, as the construction sector accounts for 37% of global emissions and over a third of all waste generated in the EU. 

In our latest report, The Circular Opportunity: Harnessing the Power of Product-as-Service, we explore how the construction industry is shifting toward circular business models to address these challenges. One such model, Product-as-a-Service (PaaS), presents a transformative opportunity for the sector by offering an innovative approach to equipment ownership, resource management, and sustainability. 

Innovations Driving a Sustainable Industry 

Modern, sustainable construction equipment is key to overcoming industry challenges. Technologies such as Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are enhancing efficiency and safety, while telematics enables data-driven performance management and remote operations. Additionally, the electrification of construction machinery is helping businesses reduce their environmental impact and comply with evolving regulations, such as diesel bans in certain urban areas. 

A New Approach to Equipment Financing 

Investing in construction equipment requires significant capital, which can be a major barrier to growth. High upfront costs can slow investment decisions, while the long lifespan of machinery impacts sales and revenue for manufacturers. 

The PaaS model addresses these issues by allowing businesses to access construction equipment through planned monthly payments, rather than outright purchase. This model provides customers with essential equipment and support services, such as maintenance, repairs, and data diagnostics, without the financial burden of ownership. 

For manufacturers, this transition from one-time sales to lifecycle services enhances customer relationships, accelerates the sales process, and improves profit margins. By integrating PaaS into their business strategies, manufacturers can create more predictable revenue streams while meeting the evolving needs of their clients. 

Extending the Life of Construction Equipment 

The production of new construction materials is both costly and resource-intensive. Supply chain disruptions and raw material shortages further complicate the process. By adopting a circular model like PaaS, manufacturers can reclaim and repurpose valuable materials, extending the life cycle of their products. 

Under PaaS, customers utilize equipment without the responsibility of ownership, while manufacturers retain control over their products’ entire life cycle. At the end of its use, equipment can be refurbished, resold on secondary markets, or responsibly recycled. This approach helps manufacturers mitigate supply chain risks, reduce waste, and support sustainability goals. 

Building a More Sustainable Future 

As the construction industry continues to evolve, adopting circular solutions such as PaaS can drive both economic and environmental benefits. This model supports Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) commitments by maximizing product utilization and encouraging durable, sustainable design. 

At BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, we are committed to facilitating this transition. Through innovative financing programs for used construction equipment, including warranties and maintenance contracts, we are helping our partners build a more sustainable future. While progress has been made, many solutions that will drive the circular transition are yet to be developed. We remain dedicated to working with industry partners to explore new opportunities for growth and sustainability. 

To learn more about how we can support your business in achieving sustainability goals, contact us today. 

For more insights into how PaaS is revolutionizing construction, download our full report. 

The healthcare landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the need to innovate in the face of mounting challenges. An aging population, a critical shortage of healthcare workers, and persistent budgetary constraints are forcing the sector to seek novel solutions. Amidst this pressure, circular service models, particularly Product-as-a-Service (PaaS), are emerging as powerful drivers of change. 

A New Model for Healthcare Procurement 

The traditional model of healthcare procurement, characterised by upfront capital expenditure for medical equipment, is proving increasingly unsustainable. PaaS offers a compelling alternative, allowing healthcare providers to access cutting-edge technology without the burden of hefty initial investments. Instead, they enter service contracts that encompass equipment usage, maintenance, and operational support. This shift allows for more predictable budgeting, as costs are aligned with actual usage through models like pay-per-scan for MRI machines. 

Beyond financial benefits, PaaS fosters greater efficiency and optimises resource allocation. Asset management software, often integrated into these contracts, ensures equipment is deployed where it’s needed most and maintained proactively. This minimises downtime, extends equipment lifespan, and prevents waste from underutilisation, all crucial factors in a resource-constrained environment. 

The adoption of advanced technologies like robotics and artificial intelligence further underscores the need for flexible procurement models. While these technologies promise to enhance patient outcomes and alleviate staff shortages, their implementation often requires substantial upfront investment. PaaS provides a pathway to access these innovations, enabling healthcare providers to leverage their benefits without straining budgets.  

A Win-Win for Medical Manufacturers 

Medical equipment manufacturers also stand to gain from the transition to PaaS. By shifting from one-time sales to long-term service contracts, they can establish recurring revenue streams and strengthen customer relationships. The ongoing nature of PaaS contracts allows for continuous engagement, facilitating product upgrades, maintenance, and data-driven insights that improve future iterations. 

Furthermore, PaaS aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability. By incorporating maintenance, repair, and end-of-life services into their offerings, manufacturers can extend the lifespan of their products, reduce waste, and minimise their environmental footprint. Refurbishment and resale programs, facilitated by PaaS, enable the recovery of valuable materials and resources, contributing to a circular economy. 

The Future of Product-as-a-Service in Healthcare 

The adoption of PaaS models is not merely a financial strategy; it represents a fundamental shift towards a more sustainable and efficient healthcare ecosystem. By promoting responsible resource management and fostering innovation, PaaS empowers healthcare providers to deliver better patient care while minimising their environmental impact. As the healthcare sector continues to evolve, circular service models will play an increasingly vital role in shaping its future. 

For more insights into how PaaS is revolutionizing healthcare, download our full report. 

This article first appeared on ‘Envirotec’ here

Businesses across Europe are facing mounting pressure to invest in more eco-friendly practices, but high upfront costs and operational challenges stand in the way. Neil Pein, CEO at BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions, explains how embracing Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) models can improve accessibility to green technology, support the circular economy and help organisations meet evolving regulatory requirements. 

The EU’s renewable energy target of 42.5% by 2030 is forcing organisations across all industries to rethink their business models. New regulations such as low emission zones, energy efficiency mandates and reporting requirements like the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive are turning up the heat for businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. While these policies present challenges, they also offer a huge opportunity for firms to invest in green technology.  

Fortunately, the green technology sector is rife with innovative solutions that are ready to support companies on this journey. From EV charging points to solar panels and LED lighting, green technologies are developing rapidly and will be central to helping organisations reduce their carbon emissions.  

So, what’s the catch? While the grass may be greener when it comes to leveraging certain technology, the challenge for businesses lies in the hefty gardener’s bill that comes with it. Big upfront costs remain one of the major barriers to investing in green technology. A rooftop solar energy system or an EV charger can cost thousands – if not tens of thousands – of euros upfront, with additional outlays for installation and maintenance. For businesses operating on tight margins and economic uncertainty, these costs can deter much-needed investment. 

As a result, businesses find themselves between a rock and a hard place. Regulatory requirements are pushing them to adopt more eco-friendly practices, but the financial burden of doing so is slowing down the pace of progress. 

A new route to sustainable profitability  

Investing in green technology and managing costs don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Product-as-a-Service (PaaS) business models offer a game-changing way to access green technology by shifting the focus from ownership to usage or business outcomes.  

Under a PaaS model, companies pay for the service or outcomes provided by a product, rather than owning the asset itself. This means predictable monthly payments replace large initial capital outlays. Additional services such as maintenance, upgrades, and insurance are often bundled into the contract, reducing operational complexity and ensuring optimal performance throughout the product’s lifecycle. 

Take the example of an EV charging station. Businesses pay for the electricity they consume, whilst the Charging Point Operator (CPO) is responsible for installation, maintenance and upgrades.  

This service-focused model provides the flexibility businesses need in today’s unpredictable environment. Companies can scale their usage of green technologies in line with business growth and adjust contracts to match evolving needs without the burden of capital-intensive purchases and big upfront investments. CPOs can offer membership plans and charging credits, catering to individual needs through integrated services. 

A win-win for all parties involved 

PaaS models also make economic sense for manufacturers of green technology products. By retaining responsibility for their products, manufacturers benefit from recurring revenue streams through ongoing service contracts rather than one-time sales, providing them with predictable cash flow. It also incentivises the design of more durable, repairable and recyclable technology, which in turn supports the circular economy. 

Manufacturers are ideally positioned to implement PaaS models, as they have deep product knowledge, control over product development, access to detailed operational data, and the ability to scale solutions. Those leading the transition towards service-based business models are offering significant value to customers and differentiating their brand in a competitive marketplace. 

A collaborative path to sustainability 

Collaboration is key to fulfilling the promise of PaaS across the green technology sector. Markets for products like solar panels and EV chargers are characterised by a complex and fragmented ecosystem with various interdependencies between different stakeholders. For example, most solar panel manufacturers are largely based outside of the EU, while smaller regional players handle installations for residential and small to medium commercial needs. 

Fragmentation in the market can make PaaS adoption more challenging as these circular models rely on a whole ecosystem approach. While the industry has seen some consolidation, with major players acquiring smaller companies or forming partnerships, more collaboration is needed to ensure these circular business models are viable and attractive to end-users. 

Regulatory pressures and corporate sustainability goals are driving demand for more greener solutions, yet traditional ownership models are no longer fit for this transition. By shifting the focus from ownership to usage or outcome-based services, PaaS opens the door for businesses to embrace green technologies without the burden of upfront costs, helping them stay on the right side of compliance in the process.  

For more insights into how PaaS is revolutionizing green tech, download our full report.