CGR Friesland
On 15 May at the World Circular Economy Forum in São Paulo, Circle Economy presented the Circularity Gap Report Fryslân. Friesland scored 10.6% on the circularity metric — higher than the Dutch (9.8%) and global (6.9%) averages.
This shows that circular transition at the regional level works. For over a decade, Friesland has fostered collaboration between governments, businesses, and knowledge institutions to build circular value chains.
The results are promising — and the work continues. Learn more about the CGR further down this page.
How we cooperate in Friesland
Friesland is a frontrunner in the circular economy, thanks to its locally rooted and collaborative approach. The Frisian Model — a coalition of businesses, governments, and knowledge institutions — has built a strong foundation for circular innovation. Looking ahead to 2035, the focus is on better data, smart innovation, and stronger partnerships. Discover more about our regional collaboration in the video below.
Circularity Gap Report
The Circularity Metric represents the share of secondary materials consumed in the region, relative to the total consumption of materials (virgin & secondary). Friesland’s Circularity Metric is 10.6%, meaning that 10.6% of the region’s material consumption comes from secondary materials that have been recovered and reintegrated into the Frisian economy. This is higher than the Dutch national Circularity Metric for the same year, which stands at 9.8%.
Circular Alliance of Regions (CARe)
The Circular Alliance of Regions (CARe) is a global initiative uniting regional frontrunners in the circular economy. By joining forces, regions from around the world share knowledge, exchange best practices, and collaborate on accelerating the transition to a sustainable, circular society.
CARe brings together a growing number of regional networks, programmes and alliances that are actively working to close material loops, reduce environmental impact and foster systemic change through circular thinking.
”Above all, I’m proud of how we collaborate and keep moving forward — step by step, every time.”
Friso Douwstra, member of Provincial Executive of Fryslân
Discover the power of regional collaboration
In partnership with Meet in Friesland, dozens of forward-thinking companies across our province are opening their doors to showcase what circular action looks like in practice. These are businesses that go beyond words — they lead by doing. From circular construction and sustainable entrepreneurship to future-proof food solutions, they are shaping the economy of tomorrow. This is your opportunity to experience the impact of real circular projects we’re proud of —
and to see how they can inspire others to accelerate the circular transition.
