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Circular Economy

What is the national policy?

The Netherlands aims to be climate-neutral, fossil-free, and circular by 2050. The national policy to facilitate the transition to a circular economy is outlined in the National Program for the Circular Economy (NPCE). The national policy identifies four levers to facilitate the transition, and the measures in the NPCE are geared towards these levers.

To date, national policy has primarily focused on voluntariness and non-binding initiatives. However, more directive and mandatory measures are now needed. Therefore, the NPCE includes a mix of pricing, normative, and incentive measures.

The 4 Levers:

  1. Reducing Resource Use
    • Use fewer (new) resources by abstaining from producing or buying products, sharing them, or making them more efficient. The government aims to stimulate this through circular procurement, covering everything from furniture and chairs to roads and waterworks.
  2. Resource Substitution
    • Replace primary raw materials with secondary raw materials and sustainable bio-based materials applied as high-quality as possible, or with other more readily available materials with lower environmental impact. This includes obligations for a certain percentage of recyclates (recycled materials).
  3. Extension of Product Lifespan
    • Prolong and intensify the use of products and components through reuse and repair, slowing down the demand for new resources. An example of a measure aimed at extending the lifespan is the establishment of a repairers’ registry from 2023 for electric and electronic devices to easily find suitable repair services.
  4. High-Quality Processing
    • Close the loop by recycling materials and resources, resulting in less waste incineration or landfilling and generating a higher supply of secondary raw materials. The goal is to eliminate the incineration of recyclable materials entirely by 2050, requiring interventions at the front end of the chain. The government aims to assist municipalities and residents in improving waste separation.

Measures by Sector

To accelerate the transition to a circular economy, five transition agendas have been developed. These agendas outline the concrete actions needed for the five most crucial sectors and chains in the Dutch economy, also the sectors that have the most significant environmental impact.

In addition to general goals and measures, specific goals have been formulated, and specific policies have been developed for the most impactful product groups within the established sectors. These product groups include:

  • Consumer Goods: electrical and electronic devices; packaging and disposable products; textiles; furniture.
  • Plastics: plastic packaging; plastic in construction; agricultural plastic.
  • Construction: homes; offices and industrial halls; concrete viaducts and bridges; road pavement.
  • Manufacturing Industry: Capital Equipment; wind parks; solar PV systems; climate installations.

On nederlandcirculairin2050.nl an overview can be found of the so-called transition agendas per sector.

Supporting Measures:

In addition to general and specific measures, the National Program for the Circular Economy 2023-2030 (NPCE) includes supporting measures outlining the conditions for the transition to a circular economy.

The Dutch government aims to enhance the right knowledge and skills for sustainability and the circular economy and integrate them into education. Circular practices also receive attention in learning modules for roles like purchasers and marketers in businesses. Furthermore, the government supports the transition with measures related to financing, behavior change, and more.

An overview of all measures taken can be found on the website of the Dutch government.