Waste streams
The challenge for the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area is to coordinate and accelerate those circular activities that need to be set up at regional scale. In total there are more than 70 to 80 important waste streams circulating through the region. For each of these waste streams a tailor-made approach is followed. All actors of the product chain related to the waste stream are represented in the preparations. Initiators that can act as change agents are identified and asked to take the lead. A number of brainstorming sessions with the main actors are held to identify the opportunities, need for research and innovation, and potential for business development in the short and long term. Last, concrete actions are formulated and carried out. High value recycling initiatives At present, several of such circular initiatives are getting off the ground or are in preparation. The main lesson we learned until now is that the success depends on a number of main drivers that are relevant for all initiatives. First, there should be one or a limited number of initiators who act as inspiring change agents. Secondly, cooperation across the product chain (including end-users) is key, including trust and mutual respect. Thirdly, new financial and organizational arrangements are important to create a convincing business case. And finally, additional tailor-made incentives need to be attuned to the specific product-/waste stream at stake.
The transition towards a circular economy is not only about reusing and recycling waste streams. It also includes the appropriate design of products and materials for those purposes. Hence, efforts are also made to promote circular product development, for instance via innovation programs, public procurement policies and business-to-business purchasing policies. Redesign of product chains is therefore a crucial part of the overall transition towards a circular economy.