Unfortunately, there are limits to the capacity of the earth, while the human population keeps on growing. The need for raw materials is also increasing rapidly, while available resources keep on falling. Currently, raw materials and fossil fuels are too often used as if they are inexhaustible. The Netherlands is therefore working with other public authorities, knowledge institutions and environmental organisations, industry, trade unions, financial institutions and other civil-society organisations to find smarter and more efficient ways of using raw materials. The goal is for the Dutch economy to be completely circular by 2050. 

The Government-wide programme for a Circular Economy is aimed at developing a circular economy in the Netherlands by 2050. Its ambition is to realise, together with a variety of stakeholders, an (interim) objective of a 50% reduction in the use of primary raw materials (minerals, fossil and metals) by 2030. The cabinet will take various measures in order to give the circular economy the space it needs. For instance, regulations and legislation will be amended to the benefit of the circular economy and there will be support for entrepreneurs who make raw materials savings. The measures will focus on legislation and regulations that have a stimulating effect, smart market incentives, funding, knowledge and innovation, and international cooperation. To accelerate the transition to a circular economy, the government drew up “transition agendas” in which the five following chains and sectors have the highest priority: biomass and food, plastics, manufacturing, construction, and consumer goods. The aim for these sectors is that they will only be using sustainably produced, renewable or generally available raw materials, and be generating as little residual waste as possible. Additionally, the aim for end-of-life products is to undergo high-quality recycling and remain valuable in the economy.

The government is working with industry, civil-society organisations, knowledge institutions and other authorities to achieve a sustainable economy for the future. The government has set out three goals aimed at making the Dutch economy circular as quickly as possible:

1. Ensure production processes use raw materials more efficiently, so that fewer are needed.

2. When new raw materials are needed, use sustainably produced renewable (inexhaustible) and widely available raw materials, like biomass – raw material made of plants, trees and food waste. This will make the Netherlands less dependent on fossil fuel resources, and it is better for the environment.

3. Develop new production methods and design new products to be circular. 

In order to meet these goals, after the Government-wide programme for a Circular Dutch Economy by 2050 in 2016, the Raw Materials Agreement (in Dutch) was signed by parties from both government and industry. The agreement drew up five “transition agendas”, focusing on the five sectors previously identified (biomass and food, plastics, manufacturing, construction, and consumer goods). In 2019, the Circular Economy Implementation Programme (in Dutch) translated the five “transition agendas” into concrete actions and projects to be put into effect between 2019 and 2023. The Implementation Programme will be updated regularly.