The Week of the Circular Economy is an initiative of the Dutch government to draw attention to the need for a circular economy. During this week (6 to 11 February 2023), various activities will be organized to make people aware of the benefits of a circular economy and to show how we are already working on this in the Netherlands.

The circular economy is an economic system in which raw materials and products remain in use for as long as possible, where waste and harmful substances are prevented and where renewable energy sources are used. The aim is to produce and consume as efficiently as possible, without harming the planet and its inhabitants.

The Week of the Circular Economy has been held in the Netherlands since 2017, and usually takes place in October. Various activities have been organized for both companies and individuals, such as lectures, workshops and network meetings. This allows people to gain knowledge and inspiration for how to produce and consume in a circular way.

What are examples of circular products?

An important example is of course the NOWA product line. Our products are made from Gold and Silver from old telephones. In addition, there are many other examples in various sectors such as:

1. Bioplastics: these plastics are made from biological raw materials such as corn starch, sugar beet and potatoes instead of oil. They can be composted after use, reducing waste and reusing raw materials.
2. Sustainable fashion: There are several sustainable fashion initiatives, such as using renewable materials such as organic cotton and linen, reusing old clothes for new products, and making clothes that can be easily repaired or dismantled.
3. Recycling: many products can be recycled, such as paper, metal, glass and plastic. Recycling these materials saves resources and reduces waste.
4. Repair and maintenance: Products such as appliances, electronics and tools can be designed to be repaired or maintained, rather than thrown away when they break.
5. Product-as-a-Service: In these business models, a product is offered as a service rather than as a one-off product, for example a car that is shared instead of sold or a software that is purchased instead of sold.

These are just a few examples, there are many ways in which the Circular Economy can be applied in different sectors. Companies and organizations continue to experiment with new ideas and technologies to achieve a circular economy.