About the Trainings – what you will learn
Unlock the knowledge and tools needed to drive the circular economy transition.
The Circular Accelerator Training is designed for individual professionals and teams who want to deepen their understanding of the circular economy, and apply it in practice. Whether you work in a company, consultancy, startup, or simply carry a strong interest in circular solutions — this training offers practical knowledge and tools relevant across sectors and disciplines. Our senior trainers bring extensive international experience, and a deep familiarity with diverse market sectors and geographic regions.
Through this program, you will:
- Identify linear patterns and hidden vulnerabilities in existing business models, uncover real circular opportunities — and stay aware and prepared for upcoming policies.
- Learn how to rethink products, services, and business models through real-world examples from leading Dutch companies
- Turn knowledge into tangible outcomes using practical tools, real-world case studies (including failures), and guided exercises that support the development of robust circular strategies and solutions
- Learn the importance of engaging the value chain and mapping circular ecosystems, to identify key actors and strategic opportunities for collaboration to enable system-wide impact.
Participants who complete the training will receive an official certificate from Holland Circular Hotspot, and gain the opportunity to become a HCH Associate. This unlocks exclusive access to the HCH network and opens doors for future collaboration, visibility, and growth.
Our Unique Approach: from theory to practice
This program stands out because it bridges circular economy principles with practical business applications. It’s not just about learning theory — it’s about turning it into action. Through interactive sessions, practical tools, and real business cases, you’ll explore how circular thinking can strengthen your products, operations, and partnerships. You’ll leave with practical insights and strategies grounded in real examples — helping you take meaningful steps toward circularity in your business context.
Why the Netherlands — and Holland Circular Hotspot?
The Netherlands is a global front-runner in circular economy innovation — a living lab where businesses pioneer new models, supported by enabling policies and strong collaboration. By learning from leading Dutch companies and ecosystems, participants gain valuable insight into what drives successful circular strategies — lessons that can be adapted and applied across different business contexts around the world. Holland Circular Hotspot has been playing a key role in sharing proven strategies and lessons learned globally by actively bridging Dutch expertise with international ambition.
Training Format & Schedule
The training consists of four core modules plus an optional Gift Module. Each quarterly edition includes 4 × 2-hour live online sessions delivered over four weeks.
Class size is limited to 20 participants to ensure an engaging and interactive learning experience.
The course can be customized for company teams enrolling together, including tailored training dates to fit your schedule. On request, trainers can also deliver the training in person at your location.
Module 1: Why circular matters – and what’s in it for you?
Understand the fundamentals of circular business models and how they connect to today’s most pressing societal and economic challenges.
Module 2: Designing out waste, unlocking value and making circularity profitable.
Dive into the design of circular products, services, and systems. Discover how leading Dutch companies have transformed their business models to be sustainable AND profitable. Real-world case studies and practical tools and knowledge.
Module 3: Safe-proofing circular business models.
Learn how to strengthen your circular strategy by studying what went wrong elsewhere — and how to design your business for long-term circular success.
Module 4: Circular value chains: from isolation to collaboration.
Learn how to activate your value chain and co-create circular solutions. Discover how front-running companies engage suppliers, customers, and partners — with practical, real-world cases.
*Gift Module – Impact in action
In this final gift module, you’ll bring everything together — turning insights and exercises into a tangible result for your own business case.
Main lecturers of the Circular Accelerator Training
Freek van Eijk
Freek van Eijk is the Director of Holland Circular Hotspot and Co-Chair of the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP). With decades of experience in sustainability and business transformation, he supports governments, businesses, and knowledge institutions in accelerating the transition to a circular economy. Freek regularly leads expert training sessions for companies, cooperatives, municipalities, ministries, and consultancy firms across Europe and beyond. He is also an Adjunct Professor at LUISS Business School in Amsterdam, where he lectures on circular economy strategy and innovation. Holding an MSc in Engineering from Delft University of Technology, Freek is recognized as a senior expert in waste management and circular economy, often described as a “mover and shaker” in the field.
Freek van Eijk, Director
Vesna Lavtizar
Dr. Vesna Lavtizar is a circular economy specialist with a strong background in environmental sciences. She has worked closely with national and local governments and organizations to shape policy and sustainability plans. Her teaching experience spans Japan, Slovenia, Norway, and the Netherlands. Vesna blends her expertise with strong listening and facilitation skills to ensure each training is both engaging and relevant. Her international collaborations reflect a broad understanding of circular economy dynamics across Europe and Asia. Vesna is also a Board Member of the Slovene Dutch Business Platform (SDBP) and Co-founder of the Circular Economy Coalition.
Vesna Lavtizar, Policy research & recommendation, circular economy
Pricing & Enrollment Conditions
Early Bird Price: €1190 (valid until May 13th)
Regular Price: €1250 (after May 13th)
All prices exclude VAT.
Enrollment and Confirmation
The course will proceed once the minimum number of participants is reached.
Risk-free early bird booking: full refund or priority access if the training is postponed.
Training Dates
Module 1: May 30, 2025
Module 2: June 6, 2025
Module 3: June 12, 2025
Module 4: June 17, 2025
Group Trainings on Request: For customized group sessions or in-person training options, contact us to discuss your needs.
Questions? Email: info@hollandcircularhotspot.nl