Friesland: Pioneering circular success in Europe

Friesland has emerged as a standout in the pursuit of a circular economy, boasting a 10.6% circularity score that surpasses both the Dutch and global averages. On the occasion of last month's publication of Circle Economy's annual Circularity Gap Report, Friesland was honored as an international frontrunner. This achievement highlights over a decade of collaboration between Friesland's businesses, government, and academic institutions. The region's innovative 'Frisian Model', which embodies the 'Triple Helix' concept of cooperation, focuses on impactful circular projects across key areas, including water technology and sustainable construction.

Friesland is not just about closing material loops; it's about transforming its economy to tackle social, environmental, and economic challenges head-on. With ambitious plans stretching to 2035, including an initiative to enhance recycling efforts, Friesland aims to stay ahead in the circular transition, setting an example for the world to follow.

Collaboration as a catalyst for success

Friesland's ascent in the circular economy space is largely attributed to its collaborative initiatives driven by the 'Triple Helix' model. This model integrates government bodies, academic institutions, and businesses, forming a robust foundation for sustainable innovation. The Circular Friesland Association, with its roots dating back to 2014, now encompasses over 180 members, each contributing towards regional circularity goals. They focus on areas such as water technology and sustainable construction to address broader societal challenges. This collective approach not only boosts economic resilience but also highlights Friesland's commitment to creating a sustainable future through shared responsibility and innovation driven by local needs and solutions.

The Frisian Model: A blueprint for a circular economy

The 'Frisian Model' is an integrated approach designed to harness regional collaboration. Pioneering groups within the model aim to close material loops and create a future-proof economy. This model places strong emphasis on 'Mienskip', a philosophy of community and shared responsibility, in driving the transition towards circularity. By 2035, Friesland aims to enhance its impact by strengthening data systems, supporting targeted innovation, and deepening collaborative efforts. This strategy has already led to significant advancements, such as a 15% reduction in waste production over the past three years.

Friesland's Circularity Metrics

Friesland's accomplishments in circular practices are measurable. The region scored 10.6% on the circularity metric, surpassing both the Netherlands' average of 9.8% and the global average of 6.9%. This indicates that Friesland's integration of circular principles surpasses that of many larger entities. A key part of this success is the region's ability to apply circular thinking to multiple sectors, from agrifood to high-tech systems and maritime technology. Friesland's proactive approach to embedding circularity as a core value across diverse industries showcases its leadership potential on the European stage.

Challenges on the path ahead

Despite the progress, challenges remain. Significant reductions in material footprints require addressing high carbon emissions and waste generation, especially scope 3 emissions. Key indicators suggest that several aspects, such as freshwater usage and circular procurement, require stronger monitoring and integration into educational systems. However, Friesland remains committed to its ambitious targets, including a landmark goal of 50% reduction in primary raw material use by 2030 and a fully circular economy by 2050. Meeting these ambitions will require continued innovation, resource investment, and alignment with European policies.

Friesland's strategy involves extensive collaboration with European governments and entities through initiatives such as the ACR+ network.