ESEF and NRK give visitors a taste of the transition to the circular economy with CIRCO workshops
ESEF visitors from the plastics processing industry can get to work on the circular economy theme themselves this year. The NRK is organising two workshops in collaboration with CIRCO. In these, participants will discover what the transition to a circular economy means in their chain and how they can take the first steps themselves.
In 30 years, all products in the Netherlands must be circular. This was laid down in the Transition Agendas early this year. 2050 still seems far away, but working towards a circular economy is a long process, says Martin van Dord, innovation coach at the NRK. "There will be winners and losers in this transition. Therefore, as an entrepreneur in the manufacturing industry, it is important to gain knowledge now and know what you can contribute to this when customers ask for it later." Moreover, the government will announce this summer what steps it intends to take before the end of this cabinet period. So the circular economy is fast approaching.
More than just a trick
That is why ESEF (20 - 23 March in the Jaarbeurs in Utrecht), the NRK and CIRCO are joining forces and have put the theme of Circular Economy on the agenda of the supply chain fair. Martin van Dord: "For the manufacturing industry, this is important. Brand owners do know where things are going. However, manufacturing companies also need to master the skills so that they can facilitate their customers when they ask for this." After all, the transition is not a trick that can be learned quickly. Circular means more than using plastic recyclate, using green electricity or choosing materials that are biodegradable.
"The circular economy requires building knowledge, sharing knowledge and gaining experience," says the NRK innovation coach. Above all, circular means looking at the chain integrally. "Closing the circle," explains Van Dord. He gives an example. An injection-moulding company can choose a cheaper material, but if this means additional costs have to be incurred at the end of the product's life cycle to separate the material, the chain as a whole is not doing well. "Each company is part of that chain. That's why they have to work together. Then you learn from each other what you don't know about, but what you can influence."
CIRCO
CIRCO is a movement towards the circular economy. In and around CIRCO are entrepreneurs and companies from the manufacturing and creative industries, as well as researchers, policymakers and students. CIRCO's approach with Tracks and Classes provides new insights and makes companies take steps towards the circular economy, with a circular business model. CIRCO has been doing this for 3 years and has already trained 200 companies, accumulating a huge amount of knowledge and experience in circular business models and design strategies. The choice to work with CIRCO and offer these workshops to NRK's supporters was therefore quickly made.
Take the first steps at ESEF
CIRCO picks up the subject normally in a three-day workshop. This programme was developed together with TU Delft and focuses on different sectors, including the plastics industry. Especially for ESEF, a one-hour workshop has been developed on this basis. In it, participants go on a voyage of discovery together with another ESEF visitor. By pairing two ESEF visitors each time, the chain cooperation comes to the fore. "You discover the story behind the circular economy, what it means in your chain and how you can make better choices yourself," says Martin van Dord.
NRK and CIRCO are organising these workshops on Wednesday 21 March and Thursday 22 March in the ESEF theatres in Hall 1 and Hall 2. Participation is free for registered visitors. As the number of places is limited, it is advisable to register in advance. This will ensure you a place at one of the workshops. You can register via the ESEF website.
