Earth is calling... CIRCLES

To have businesses, including SMEs, and civil society organisations be aware of the necessity and benefits of transformation, 12 partners have developed a broad approach at the initiative of the  Stichting Kiemt and VNO-NCW Midden. They are united in CIRCLES, a cluster for everyone - entrepreneurs, initiatives and governments - in the east of the Netherlands who willing to contribute to the transition to a circular economy. This cluster is based on strong regional sectors, such as the manufacturing industry, the biobased economy and the construction sector. Rooted in the past, but looking at innovation and the future.

Thanks to CIRCLES, a new market is being developed in which the east of the Netherlands will be leading by example; not just for the Netherlands, but for the whole of Europe.

Circular economy completely revamps the economic system driven by maximising value of raw materials and energy. Reuse is a central theme. When companies, knowledge institutions, governments, social organisations and inhabitant collaborate, all elements of the system can be fundamentally renewed and changed.

We need amultidisciplinary and cross-sectoral approach for circular innovation. To make the most of opportunities in the Eastern Netherlands we need to establish cooperations that go beyond the walls of the traditional chain. By starting collectively and locally, the eastern region of the Netherlands can become an icon regarding circular economy.

We need to think out of the box to solve big, social global questions such as raw material and energy scarcity, growth of the world populations and urbanisation. It becomes increasingly clear that fundamental changes are needed to contribute to the Global Goals: a transformation from a linear to a circular economy. An economy in which products and materials are reused and keep their value.

The circular economy is the most promising solution for CO2 reduction and "resource efficiency". Twente has enormous potential for circular innovation, thanks to high-quality manufacturing industry, a strong Cleantech market, a large construction sector, leading knowledge institutions and an active government. Through CIRCLES the region can take steps towards a circular economy.