The winners of the Gelderland Circular Innovation Top demonstrate how Gelderland entrepreneurs are leading the circular transition (the shift to reusing raw materials). With innovation, smart chain collaboration (a form of cooperation between parties working sequentially on one product or process), and courage, they really make a difference. In the national final, prizes are awarded per category.
Winners
The winners are:
- Category Circular Changemaker: Inexeon (Wijchen).
Inexeon replaces the disposable model with a circular revision model. Defective parts of climate installations are inspected, repaired, and reused, with performance equal to new parts. This reduces material consumption, CO2 emissions, and extends the lifespan of the parts. The organization performs revisions in a fixed, repeatable, and certified manner. They do this for printed circuit boards, fans, and pumps in installation technology. - Category Circular Start-up: Circle Solution (Arnhem)
Circle Solution tackles the problem of drywall waste by separating gypsum and paper dryly and energy-efficiently. The company also purifies the paper. As a result, both material streams are suitable for high-quality reuse. This reduces waste, lowers CO₂ emissions, and limits the use of new raw materials in construction. - Category Circular Chain Collaboration: Coffee Roaster Peeze (Arnhem)
Peeze developed Geen Verpakking®: a reusable coffee packaging (a sealable bucket) for the business market, as an alternative to single-use plastic foil. The model reduces CO₂ emissions, lowers waste costs for customers, and provides extra work via a social laundry partner. The approach is scalable to other sectors, such as food, cosmetics, and hospitality. And it shows that circular innovation can change entire chains.
Important Role of Government
Creating a circular demand is important. And I see an important role for the government to stimulate the demand for circular products through our procurement and tendering. I want to commit to this, also to engage in discussions with my fellow administrators, especially in municipalities, and where possible make agreements.
Province of Gelderland
Why the Gelderland Circular Innovation Top?
The Gelderland Circular Innovation Top, an initiative of VNO-NCW Midden in collaboration with us and the Stedendriehoek Region, gives innovative solutions a platform and is a meeting place for entrepreneurs, knowledge institutions, and governments. By sharing knowledge and making new contacts, the event helps accelerate the circular transition. Participants not only gain extra visibility but also access to networks and new opportunities to collaborate.