Governments will work even better together to better utilize opportunities surrounding circularity. They have made agreements at the National Conference on Circular Economy in Leeuwarden.

The national government, provinces, municipalities, and water authorities signed the agreement for Bundling Forces in Circular Economy on Thursday. Secretary of State Chris Jansen (Public Transport and Environment) signed on behalf of the national government.

In a circular economy, items often seen as waste are reused and materials are recycled. This reduces the need for new raw materials and decreases our dependence on other countries, especially regarding critical raw materials. Circularity also offers opportunities for Dutch entrepreneurs to innovate and enhance their earning potential.

The government aims for the economy to be fully circular by 2050. Collaboration with other parties, such as local governments, businesses, and consumers is essential for this. The agreement that was signed will contribute to this.

With this collaboration, the various governments ensure that public money is spent more efficiently, preventing duplication of work. Policy measures are better coordinated. For example, think of joint principles for circular procurement policies, which provide clarity and predictability for market participants. The parties will also jointly develop and share more knowledge in the field of the circular economy. For instance, regarding permitting.

Secretary of State Jansen: “By signing the agreement for Bundling Forces in Circular Economy, the national government and the regions are taking an important step in accelerating the circular transition. By working together, we can contribute more effectively and efficiently as governments to a circular economy in the Netherlands. An economy that contributes to our strategic independence and where Dutch entrepreneurs can earn a good living, both now and in the future.”

Friso Douwstra, portfolio holder for Circular Economy on behalf of the Interprovincial Consultation: “The Dutch provinces are among the most competitive regions in Europe. The government aims to further strengthen this position. As provinces, we see the commercial opportunities of the circular economy in the region. Whether it is about resource savings, smarter chain cooperation, or new business models: circularity is trade! By bundling our forces as governments, we can better support and stimulate our regions, companies, and entrepreneurs in this transition, making them even more competitive.”

Maaike Veeningen, alderman of the municipality of Almere, on behalf of the VNG committee EKEM: “Municipalities are crucial players in the transition to a circular economy. They are already fully committed, but no one can realize this transition alone. By bundling forces, we work smarter, prevent reinventing the wheel, and can achieve scale together. Collaboration is the key to turning circular ambitions into concrete results. Now we are getting started!”

Sander Mager, vice-chairman of the Association of Water Authorities: “As water authorities, we will not be able to do our work in the long term if the transition to a circular economy stalls. We need many materials to build and maintain dikes, pumping stations, and treatment plants. These materials are becoming more expensive and scarcer. It is essential that we as governments bundle our purchasing power and create momentum towards market participants for more reused and biobased materials. Water authorities also contribute by recovering raw materials from wastewater and using dredged material and cuttings from dikes for biobased materials.”