Preliminary Programme Learning Visit Highlights Circular Economy Innovations from Apeldoorn & Leuven.
A two-day learning visit in Apeldoorn, Netherlands showcased cutting-edge initiatives in circular economy and waste management. The event, held on November 19-20, brought together experts and stakeholders to explore practical strategies for sustainability.
Day 1: Apeldoorn
The first day in Apeldoorn featured lectures and workshops focusing on the transition from waste collection to circular resource management. Marjolein Mann of Rova introduced the CirkelWaarde project, detailing how waste collectors are adopting circular roles. Richard Buitenhuis and Petra Bennink from the Municipality of Apeldoorn provided insights into translating national circularity goals into local policies.
Frank Stiksma from Saxion University unveiled a preliminary lifetime extension assessment tool, designed to evaluate product durability. Workshops covered citizen awareness, digital tools, and future-focused topics such as innovative waste collection and education programs.
Day 2: Apeldoorn and Leuven
Participants toured Apeldoorn’s Foenix collection point, Recycleplein, and woodworking shop, led by Esther Bosgoed of Circulus and Ingrid Belder of Foenix. The tour emphasized community-based recycling and repair activities, showcasing the thrift store, repair café, and textile workshop.
The program concluded with a cross-border collaboration in Leuven, highlighting the "Vacuum Cleaner Case." This initiative, combining efforts from Maakbaar, Leuven and Saxion, demonstrated a closed-loop process for repairing discarded vacuum cleaners, starting from citizens' homes and ending with refurbished appliances.
The learning visit underscored the importance of local innovation and international collaboration in advancing circular economy practices, inspiring actionable ideas for sustainable development.
