High-level workshop: circular economy crucial to reduce impact of resource demand

The circular economy is not a goal in itself, but a crucial means to reduce resource demand and associated impacts. Now is the time to speed up, scale up and structure the transition to a circular economy. To do so, we need to align and harmonise monitoring efforts. To start structural cooperation for achieving this, Utrecht University and PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency organised a high-level workshop with Minister Stientje van Veldhoven.

Based on short input presentations from science, policy and business perspectives and discussion rounds with all participants, the organisers presented recommendations to the Dutch Minister of Housing and Environment, Stientje van Veldhoven. She highlighted the relevance and complexity of a circular economy, the need for a joint effort and collaboration of all stakeholders, and the necessity of having inspiring targets.

Workshop with the Minister
Workshop participants and Minister Van Veldhoven in The Hague

Towards a Circular Economy and Society

Researchers of the hub Towards a Circular Economy and Society of Pathways to Sustainability prepared the input and supported the organisation of the workshop in The Hague on 17 January together with PBL. The international workshop was organised in preparation of the World Economic Forum in Davos in consultation with the Platform to Accelerate the Circular Economy (PACE).

Beyond resources and waste

The aim of the workshop was to discuss key dimensions for circular economy targets that go beyond the input of resources and generation of waste, to identify the need for coordination, harmonisation and alignment, and to set a basis for further collaboration among the participants with next steps.

Cooperation between science, policy and government

The 35 workshop participants from private, governmental and academic spheres discussed what is the circular economy today, as well as the weak and urgent areas that need to be addressed to achieve the promise of a circular economy. Participants included representatives from the European Commission, European Environmental Agency, Ellen MacArthur Foundation, PACE, Philips, and many other organisations.

The full report on the workshop with conclusions and recommendations is available here.