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Circular Economy

The Circular Economy Innovation Domain focuses on finding answers to questions surrounding the reusability of materials and the use of raw materials. The Dutch government has set an ambitious goal to achieve a fully circular economy by 2050.

By 2030, as an intermediate step, the use of fossil, mineral, and metallic raw materials must be halved. Digitalization is an essential building block for this transition, as are the development of new advanced materials and innovations in various other key technologies. An integrated approach is necessary, involving a joint effort among businesses, knowledge institutions, and the government.

The high-tech sector can play a crucial role in the transition to a fully sustainable economy by 2050 by integrating the Circular Economy into roadmaps, renewing value chains, and adapting business models. Holland High Tech supports the development of the ecosystem in the innovation domain of Circular Economy and stimulates innovation through strategic programs and public-private partnerships.

Programme Council

Hans van der Weijde

Programme Council member

Circular Economy

LinkedIn profile

Innovation Domain

Circular Economy is one of the Innovation Domains of Holland High Tech, the top sector for High-Tech Systems and Materials. We stimulate innovation in the field of Circular Economy for consortia of research organisations and companies with subsidies from the government's PPS Innovation Scheme. Look at the overview of Holland High Tech for details on our funded R&D programmes and projects.

Technology

The transition to a Circular Economy in the high-tech sector requires the development of various technologies, such as:

  • Designing for Circularity: Modular product design, the use of new circular materials, the application of digital twins, and making materials and components traceable facilitate the development of a circular economy.

  • Circular raw material chains and processes: Measurement and detection capabilities, automated disassembly, critical materials recovery, and advanced recycling techniques enable the reuse of materials and products.

  • System Transition and Adoption: Blockchain and other technologies for secure data sharing ensure quality assurance and trust. AI-driven behavioral change and optimisation generate insights for efficient use and maintenance. Platform technology enables consumers and businesses to repair items themselves.

  • Digitalisation: Digital technologies support the circular economy by collecting and utilising data. This can be done, among other things, with digital product passports and simulation models for maintenance. This also includes the use of AI and data analysis for optimising raw material consumption and maintenance, as well as developing international data spaces for interoperability.

Applications

The Circular Economy Innovation Domain has an impact on various aspects of industry:

  • Design and Material Use: The earliest stage of product development and the setup of production processes require attention to machine repair and upgrading, as well as the use of circular raw material alternatives.

  • Production processes and supply chain: Material traceability, waste reduction, and establishing circular value chains are essential for a closed loop.

  • Maintenance and Life Extension: Implementing preventive and predictive maintenance, utilising refurbished capital goods, and adopting 'as-a-service' business models help keep assets operational longer and reduce waste.

  • Recycling and Waste Processing: Implementing automated dismantling and separation technologies, high-quality recycling techniques, post-sorting, and material valorization contribute to the reuse of materials.

  • Innovation and Digitalisation: Focusing on circular technology offers opportunities for high-tech companies to develop new production methods and materials, for example, through the use of artificial intelligence and advanced data analysis.

  • Economic and Strategic Positioning: Focusing on recycling and substitution makes the high-tech industry less dependent on imports of critical raw materials. The resilience of companies is increasing, and new business models and product categories offer new market opportunities.

These aspects make an essential contribution to the Circular Economy and the technological advancement of the Netherlands.

Synergies with other Innovation Domains

Circular Economy has overlaps with various other innovation domains:

Optical Systems & Integrated Photonics

The consumption of rare materials (such as indium, gallium, and phosphorus) can be reduced through substitution or the recovery of these materials from discarded components. Modular design and repair options ensure an extended lifespan.

Quantum Technologies

The construction of quantum systems utilises rare earth metals and superconducting materials. Their recovery is part of a circular strategy. Systems requiring cryogenic cooling and complex electronics are often still in the design phase. Efficient use of materials and energy are key circular aspects.

Imaging Technologies

Developing biodegradable or recyclable image sensors, scanners, and cameras simplifies circular operations, as does implementing predictive maintenance for optimal equipment maintenance and longevity.

Mechatronics & Optomechatronics

Focusing on a modular design when developing systems allows for the replacement of only components in case of malfunction, instead of entire systems. The use of AI and sensor data helps predict wear and maintenance on time, extending the lifespan of systems. Recovering high-quality materials closes the circular chain.

Energy Materials

Energy storage relies on the use of materials such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. The use of new recycling techniques helps to reduce the consumption of these rare metals. Reducing CO2 emissions and water consumption in the production of energy storage materials is a key element of a circular economy strategy.

Semiconductor Technologies

Reducing material usage through the use of more efficient production techniques, such as additive manufacturing and precision machining, is a relevant circular theme, as is the reuse of critical semiconductor materials like gallium and indium. Sustainable chip production focuses on reducing chemical waste and water usage, as well as on overhauling and reusing production machinery.

Projects Circular Economy

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News about Innovation Domains

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Innovation

Innovation is essential for the Netherlands. We are working on smart innovations to address urgent transitions: Dutch solutions for global challenges. With technological innovation and unique expertise, we, as a country, anticipate future safety, autonomy, job security, and income. Holland High Tech amplifies the impact of innovation. Discover more about how we do this through our focus on urgent transitions and the innovation domains that provide solutions.

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