About the 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. We call this the linear economy, where we extract raw materials, make products and ultimately throw them away.

The circular economy is an economic system designed to maximise reusability of raw materials, products and materials and minimise trash and waste. This way we use scarce raw materials more intelligently, reduce CO2 emissions, create new economic opportunities and reduce pollution.

The Dutch government aims to be fully circular by 2050. As an intermediate step, the Netherlands wants to reduce the use of primary raw materials (such as fossil fuels, metals and minerals) by 50% by 2030. This requires innovations in product design, new circular business models and collaboration between companies, governments and consumers. This is where our members come into the picture.

Our members

The network of Circulair Friesland now consists of about 180 companies, governments, educational institutions and (social) organisations: and that number continues to grow. Our members are moving together towards the circular economy, for a sustainable Fryslân and a sustainable world.

The 7 Pillars of a Circular Economy

When working on the transition to a circular economy, we use the seven pillars of the circular economy, that we developed together with Metabolic, one of our circular knowledge partners. You may already be active in one of the pillars. For example, by collecting rainwater, developing a circular business model or replacing all your fossil fuel company cars with electric cars. Those are great steps. At Circulair Friesland we take a broader approach together with our members. We stand for an integrated approach in which we manage to close chains and where waste no longer exists. But any raw materials are used as economically as possible and they remain as a high-quality part of the cycle.

A commitment to sustainable energy and water quality and quantity are also part of the circular design principles that Circulair Friesland implements, as well as optimal efforts for biodiversity, social inclusion, vitality, health and wellbeing. We want everyone to have the opportunity to participate in society in a satisfying way. We see the economy as a means to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

  1. High-quality reuse of materials

For a sustainable and feasible circular economy, it is important that raw materials can be reused at a high level as much and for as long as possible. To minimise the negative impact on nature, we choose biodegradable materials wherever possible.

If this is not possible, a product must be able to be reused for as long as possible and in the most complex form or be easily dismantled so that the various parts can be reused.

  • Energy

The energy supply in a circular economy is based on sustainable sources that are renewable within one generation. This includes energy from the sun, water and wind. In other words: green energy.

  • Water

Water is one of the most important raw materials in our economy. After all, no one can survive without it. In the circular economy, the value of water must be preserved. It is important that we minimise the consumption of fresh water and maximise energy and nutrient extraction from water. Pollution of ecosystems in water must also stop.

  • Biodiversity

In the circular economy, human activities support and strengthen biodiversity. We must take this into account when designing products and services. The preservation of biodiversity is essential for a planet with regenerative capacities.

  • Cultural diversity

The goal of the circular economy is ‘a flourishing society on a planet with self-healing and regenerative capacities’. This must be a flourishing society for everyone, with respect for every culture. Different ideas and visions are of immense value for the resilience and social inclusiveness of our society.

  • Health and wellbeing

In the circular economy, we know the impact of the emissions of all hazardous and toxic substances. If we do use these substances, we do so in a controlled manner. This way we ensure that the lives of everything and everyone on earth do not come into unnecessary contact with them. Economic activities should never threaten human health and wellbeing in a circular economy.

  • Added value

We expand the traditional definition of added value in the circular economy. In addition to the financial added value, this definition also includes social value and environmental value. In the circular economy, money is no longer the purpose of the economy. Instead, the economy is a means for realising social and environmental value. This value cannot be expressed in money.