Journal on Circular Economy 2025 Edition
January 28, 2025
The ICCE journal focuses on the circular economy by highlighting innovative policies, research, and solutions aimed at sustainability, which is a concept focused on reducing waste, reusing resources, and creating sustainable solutions across industries.
ICCE features fascinating topics, case studies, and innovative strategies that show how industries such as textiles, mining, cement, and air conditioning are transforming to tackle today’s environmental challenges. Topics range from managing plastic pollution and reclaiming waste to developing eco-friendly technologies and creating circular bio-economy models.
In this 2025 edition, Freek Van Ejik (CEO of Holland Circular Hotspot – Netherlands) highlights the Netherlands’ leadership in circular economy practices, but also other experts like Ms. Rupinder Brar from the Ministry of Coal – India, who discusses sustainable mining strategies and land reclamation. Additionally, Mr. Axel Darut, Circular Economy Policy Advisor – France, and Dr. Vipin Kumar, National Innovation Foundation – India, explore global treaty negotiations and innovative grassroots solutions, while industry leader Mr. Vasu MS, Voltas Limited – India, delves into how sustainable technologies are transforming the air conditioning sector.
In essence, this journal is a hub of forward-thinking ideas and practical solutions, showcasing how collaboration and innovation can pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable world.

A Dutch perspective: Rethinking the Economy for a Circular Future
Freek van Eijk, director of Holland Circular Hotspot (HCH) is featured in the Journal on Circular Economy published by the International Council for Circular Economy (ICCE). It explores the Netherlands’ leadership in the circular economy, its innovative approaches, and the opportunities it presents for collaboration with global partners like India.
The Netherlands has emerged as a pioneer in the circular economy, seeing it as both an environmental necessity and a business model. Van Eijk emphasizes the need for systemic change to keep resources in circulation, mitigate supply chain risks, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 45%. He also highlights the Dutch goal to achieve full circularity by 2050, with an interim target of reducing non-renewable raw material use by 50% by 2030.
Photo: ICCE Journal 2025 Edition
Priority Sectors and Best Practices
There are five key sectors driving the circular transition in the Netherlands, offering inspiring examples:
- Construction: From biobased materials to modular homes, companies like Tala are creating sustainable building solutions. Amsterdam leads the way with homes made from cross-laminated timber and recycled materials.
- Agrifood & Biomass: Innovations like Protix (producing insect-based protein) and Peel Pioneers (upcycling orange peels into valuable products) exemplify resource-efficient food systems.
- Plastics: SMEs like Liquidseal are offering biodegradable coatings, while CuRe Technology enables circular polyester production.
- Consumer Goods: Companies like Emma Safety Shoes and Dyecoo are innovating with circular take-back systems and chemical-free textile dyeing.
- Circular Manufacturing: Leaders like Fairphone and ASML extend product lifecycles with modular designs and refurbishment programs.
These initiatives underscore the Netherlands’ collaborative and pragmatic approach to innovation. Explore more success stories on the HCH showcase page.
Photo: PeelPioneers
Opportunities for India
Vast potential for collaboration between the Netherlands and India is clear. Circular business models, such as product-as-a-service, recovery and recycling, and shared platforms, offer significant opportunities for reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Dutch innovations in agrifood, construction, and plastics could help India scale its circular economy initiatives, fostering sustainable growth and addressing critical challenges like resource resilience and food security.
Discover More
Explore van Eijk’s complete insights in the Journal on Circular Economy. Read the full publication here and checkout the Linkedin Publication.