May 2025: with everlasting passion and a renewed strategy, HCH accelerates the global circular transition

Looking Back

Since launching the first Circular Hotspot in 2016 we’ve grown into a worldwide network, with events that now take place across five continents. In 2024, we:

• Engaged with 41 countries

• Released our 19th CE country report on Türkiye, aligning local CE policy with EU regulation (DEEP project).

• Held Circular Hotspot events in Canada, Wales, Brazil, and South Africa.

• Created business opportunities for CIRCO, Harvest Waste, and Closing the Loop during Lagos Strategy Week in Nigeria.

• Supported the circularity of critical raw materials in semiconductors and solar panels in the ongoing EU CLOSER project.

• In the EU project BIOMODEL4REGIONS we represented the Dutch Delta Region and supported the establishment of the innovative governance models at regional level

• In the EU project Digital Kiosks we helped to advance Europe’s sharing revolution at 22 sites across Europe

• Carried out assignments in 15+ countries a.o. in Egypt, Korea, Denmark, Indonesia, and the Arctic.

• Welcomed delegations from Japan, Taiwan, Slovenia and Germany.

• Delivered an online training to 20 Dutch embassies on waste management with Mission Sustainable (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

 

Highlights & Achievements 2024

All this—with no structural subsidies and a small, agile team. We are incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.

Looking Ahead

We step into 2025 with renewed ambition and a sharpened focus. With the invaluable guidance of our new Supervisory Board—Sabine Oberhuber, Robert Metzke, and Gerald Naber—we’ve streamlined operations for greater agility and resilience, bidding farewell to some beloved colleagues along the way. Together we have shaped a future-proof strategy without reliance on government funding.

Our mission remains unchanged: creating circular opportunities across borders.

In today’s volatile geopolitical landscape, circular solutions, resource resilience and forging new connections are more relevant than ever. We’re here to ensure businesses are prepared.

We are proud to be rooted in the Netherlands but we are expanding to a pan-European and international footprint. The EU’s circular transition, cemented in its 2050 Green Deal ambitions, is a regulatory reality that impacts companies in Europe and everyone who wants to trade with Europe.  That’s why we will support circular entrepreneurs both ways:

• Helping EU-based companies scale internationally, and

• Assisting global CE enterprises to enter and thrive in Europe.

Where You’ll See Us Next?

Since launching the first Circular Hotspot in 2016 we’ve grown into a worldwide network, with events that now take place across five continents. We’re thrilled to announce upcoming CE Hotspot events in Slovenia (September 10-12, Ljubljana), Ethiopia (September TBC, Addis Abeba), Taiwan (October 20-23, Taipei) and Mexico (November 5-6, Guadalajara). At these events, candidate cities and countries will pitch to host the 2026 or 2027 Hotspots. Drop us an email if you would like to support these events! We hope to see you there!

We’ll also be active in key events like the LCBA EU-Canada CleanTech webinar (May 21) and the Osaka Expo 2025 (September 22-24), giving entrepreneurs a platform to reach global partners.

What We Do: Supporting Your Circular Ambition Abroad

HCH is a private entity with a public-private mission: to build thriving circular ecosystems globally. For our partners we seize business opportunities worldwide. We break down barriers, connect partners, and apply deep expertise in circular policy, markets, and practice. Our support spans business models, policy alignment, and local context adaptation.

Our work is built on four pillars: Offer – Demand – Match – Support. We:

• Showcase Dutch and European circular innovations

• Share best practices and targeted insights

• Develop country-specific CE opportunity reports

• Act as a linking pin to embassies and trade bodies

• Provide tools like the Circular Market Compass, Accelerator trainings, and market scans

We facilitate:

• Trade missions, learning expeditions, workshops, keynotes, and training sessions

• Coalition building and tailored support for enterprises and regions

• Access to finance and networks via our global connections

A Word of Thanks

To our partners and friends: thank you. Your support has helped us thrive in challenging times. As we grow the impact of the circular transition, we’ll need your help more than ever.

 

Let’s connect!

If you’re looking to scale and future-proof your circular business or expand internationally, don’t hesitate to reach us at info@hollandcircularhotspot.nl and let’s explore the opportunities together.

Together, we can make a real difference.

Warm regards, The HCH Team