2025: Friesland is one of the most circular regions in Europe
Friesland: Frontrunner in circularity
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.
What is circular economy?
The world population is growing at an unprecedented rate and it does not appear that this growth will slow down in the coming years. The result is that the demand for raw materials continues to rise, while the supply (the stock of raw materials) decreases. There is also more and more waste due to the large amount of products that roll off the conveyor belt every day.
Ready for the future
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.
Circulair Friesland
How do I get started with the circular economy? Every single member of Vereniging Circulair Friesland has asked themselves this question at some point. And that’s pretty great. Because this important question prompted seven companies to take the first step towards closing cycles in 2015. Together with Provincie Fryslân and Gemeente Leeuwarden they commissioned a raw material flow analysis of Fryslân. These were the first steps towards the creation of Circulair Friesland. Now, we have over 180 members throughout the province.
On to the future
Friesland is already one of the most circular regions in Europe – and a role model for the next generation. We proudly showcase what we’ve already achieved together. What has been ‘made circular in Fryslân’. And how that reflects our collective ambition and action. But we don’t stop here. We continue to push forward – building a resilient, future-proof economy for the generations to come.