The Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) reports every two years on the state of the circular economy in the Netherlands. This is done through the Integrated Circular Economy Report (ICER), which also includes figures from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). The ICER 2025 shows that material usage in the Netherlands increased in 2022 compared to 2020. However, there is good news: the number of circular projects receiving subsidy support almost doubled in four years. Additionally, two new knowledge platforms by RVO provide businesses and organizations with a clear overview of all subsidies and schemes.
Subsidies for 661 Circular Projects
In 2022, the national government, provinces, and the EU provided €440 million in support for circular projects, with a large portion being subsidies (€301 million). There was also €138 million in tax exemption for circular innovation and investments. The number of circular projects receiving subsidies almost doubled from 341 in 2018 to 661 in 2022.
New Subsidies Focused on Circularity
The year 2022 is some time ago. Since then, various new circular subsidies have been announced. Many of these schemes come from growth funds, such as Circular Plastics NL (CPNL), BioBased Circular (BBC), and Material Independence and Circular Batteries (MICB). An overview of this support can be found in the Circular Economy Monitoring Report 2022. The report only includes schemes with publicly available information.
Focus on Plastics and Repair
Other new subsidies encourage plastic recycling and technical innovations. Examples include the Subsidy Circular Plastics NL (CPNL) and the subsidy for Transitioning Plastic Processors (SOPV), executed by RVO. At CPNL, chain partners collaborate to solve issues in recycling plastics. SOPV is for entrepreneurs who want to use more recycled or bio-based polymers in their products. Furthermore, RVO offers entrepreneurs in the repair and restoration industry information and assistance with subsidies and financial schemes, such as the MIA/Vamil and the WBSO.
New Knowledge Platforms Launched
To maintain an overview, RVO launched two new knowledge platforms during the Circular Economy Week (March 17-22): plastics and repair. This occurred on March 19 during the online meeting Financial Support for Circular Projects. On the Plastics Knowledge Platform, entrepreneurs and researchers can learn more about financial opportunities, sustainable production, and the circular plastic standard of 2027. The Repair Knowledge Platform provides information about the Right to Repair and its implications for entrepreneurs.