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The Circularity Gap Report: Friesland is a joint initiative led by Circulair Friesland, the Province of Friesland, and Circle Economy to track Friesland’s progress toward a more circular economy while also serving as a model for other regions. As the organizations behind this dashboard, we aim to provide structured indicators to measure key aspects of circularity—such as resource efficiency, waste reduction, and circular jobs—alongside on-the-ground case studies that highlight innovative local initiatives. This approach helps policymakers, businesses, and communities assess progress, address challenges, and accelerate Friesland’s transition to a circular economy. In doing so, Friesland is working toward meeting the national goal of reducing primary resource use by 50% by 2030 and achieving a fully circular economy in the Netherlands by 2050.

Beyond Friesland, this dashboard is designed as a replicable tool that can be implemented in other regions worldwide. By fostering comprehensive comparisons, it enables knowledge sharing and collaboration, allowing regions to learn from one another and scale successful strategies. In addition to tracking current trends, the monitor offers forward-looking recommendations to drive circular development—both within Friesland and beyond—helping to create a more sustainable global economy.

This case study collection supports the dashboard, in showcasing circular economy projects and initiatives already occurring in the region.

CGR Friesland

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Business case

Collecting waste from households and businesses by means of refuse bins, wheeled bins, containers, etc., and providing treatment, incineration, materials recovery and reclamation, and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste

Waste Management

Utilise waste streams as a source of secondary resources and recover waste for reuse and recycling

Use waste as a resource

**Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns**

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The world is seriously off track in its effort to halve per-capita food waste and losses by 2030.The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on consumption and production patterns, with disruptions to global supply chains and changes in consumer behaviour. 

Responsible consumption and production must be an integral part of the recovery from the pandemic. 
But the global economy also needs to speed up the decoupling of economic growth from resource use by maximizing the socio-economic benefits of resources while minimizing their negative impacts. 

Reporting on corporate sustainability has tripled since the beginning of the SDG period, but the private sector will need to significantly improve reporting on activities that contribute to the SDGs. 

This primarily entails environmentally sound management of "toxic chemicals" A substantial use of chemicals is essential to meet the social and economic goals of the world community, and these can be used with a high degree of safety when best practices are followed.  Gross chemical contamination, with grave damage to human health, genetic structures reproductive outcomes, and the environment, has been continuing within some of the world's most important industrial areas, and restoration will require major investment as well as the development of new techniques.
Effective control of the generation, storage, treatment, recycling and reuse, transport, recovery and disposal of hazardous wastes is another similar challenge. 
In addition,  solid wastes include all domestic refuse and non-hazardous wastes such as commercial and institutional wastes, street sweepings construction debris, and, in some countries, human wastes. As hazardous waste is frequently intermixed with other waste, this poses particular management challenges.
Finally, this target ensures that radioactive waste is safely managed, transported, stored and disposed of, with a view to protecting human health and the environment. 

To deliver SDG12, it is crucial to implement policies that support the shift to sustainable practices and decouple economic growth from resource use.

Sources: [https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12](https://sdgs.un.org/goals/goal12)
[https://sdgs.un.org/topics/chemicals-and-waste](https://sdgs.un.org/topics/chemicals-and-waste)

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12. Responsible consumption and production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Regenerate strategies phase out hazardous or toxic materials and processes and substitute them with regenerative biomass resources. A circular economy aims to mimic natural cycles—by shifting to more regenerative farming practices, for example—while also maximising the share of circular biomass that enters the economy. Regeneration can happen both at the systems level (by designing regenerative processes) as well as at the product level (by switching synthetic to organic fertilisers, for example).

Regenerate

Cycle strategies aim to cycle and reuse materials at their highest value: they maximise the volume of secondary materials re-entering the economy, ultimately minimising the need for virgin material inputs and therefore also narrowing flows. Of course, virgin materials will always be needed to a degree: all materials degrade and can’t be cycled infinitely, use energy, and require blending with virgin materials to maintain strength and functionality.

Cycle

Industries

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The principles of a circular economy concern designing out waste, regenerating ecosystems and keeping items in use. Decoupling the economy from material flows—improving the rate of resource productivity faster than the economic growth rate—is also a consistent guide. By evolving with the growing number of applications of circular economy principles, and consolidating these strategies across thematic areas, Circle Economy’s Key Elements Framework (KE) renders the elements of the circular economy salient and serves as a basis to derive contextual strategies and interventions. 


The Framework consists of:
- Core Elements: Activities directly handling product or material flows; and uniquely,
- Enabling Elements: those that remove obstacles for core actors.


Key elements of the circular economy

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Circle Economy's framework of strategies and activities that define the circular economy

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**These 17 Goals recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.**

The SDGs build on decades of work by countries and the UN, and especially on the Millennium Declaration adopted in September 2000 at UN Headquarters in New York which let to the elaboration of eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) to reduce extreme poverty by 2015.

In 2015, the Paris Agreement was signed. A major blueprint came out of this: The Sustainable Development Goals: 17 overarching goals—and 169 targets—that governments are aiming to meet by 2030. Significant progress has been made in terms of poverty, health and inequality, but there's still a way to go. This is where the circular economy comes in: by circulating resources multiple times, the circular economy tackles issues of scarcity and allows all to access what they need—without overburdening the earth. If it's implemented in a holistic way—affording attention to social considerations and the fair distribution of resources— it also offers a pathway for achieving the SDGs; and the link between the two is ever-growing. To read more about the link between the SDGs and the circular economy, click [here](https://www.circle-economy.com/blogs/how-the-circular-economy-can-help-us-reach-the-sustainable-development-goals).

It is the Division for Sustainable Development Goals (DSDG) in the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) which provides substantive support and capacity-building for the SDGs and their related thematic issues. TheDSDG plays a key role in the evaluation of UN systemwide implementation of the 2030 Agenda and in advocacy and outreach activities relating to the SDGs. In order to make the 2030 Agenda a reality, broad ownership of the SDGs must translate into a strong commitment by all stakeholders to implement the global goals. DSDG aims to help facilitate this engagement.
Alongside this, the annual High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development serves as the central UN platform for the follow-up and review of the SDGs.
In addition, the UN Secretary-General presents an annual SDG Progress report, which is developed in cooperation with the UN System, and based on the global indicator framework and data produced by national statistical systems and information collected at the regional level.

To read more information: [https://sdgs.un.org/goals](https://sdgs.un.org/goals)

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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Based on the work of [Bocken et al. (2016)](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309699661_Product_design_and_business_model_strategies_for_a_circular_economy), the Four Flows Framework serves as a simple framework for managing resource flows in a circular economy by using less (Narrow), using for longer (Slow), using again (Cycle), and using clean, regenerative materials and energy (Regenerate).

These different principles of circular economy can be applied to our socioeconomic metabolism: we can design stocks like buildings, infrastructure, machinery, and vehicles to be rich resource mines for the future, and design manufactured goods and consumables to be cycled and made regenerative. Furthermore, the focus must also centre on getting more value out of fewer materials. Achieving the aims of a circular economy—minimising material use, regenerating the Earth, and preventing material losses—can be done through these four key strategies mentioned above.

Source: Circle Economy. (2023). *[The circularity gap report 2023](https://www.circularity-gap.world/2023)* (p.22). Amsterdam: Circle Economy. 

Four Flows Framework

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Friesland

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Omrin

Omrin, a leading waste management company in the Netherlands, has implemented cutting-edge recycling technologies to optimise waste processing and contribute to a circular economy. Through advanced sorting systems, plastic separation, anaerobic digestion, and energy recovery, Omrin enhances resource efficiency, reduces landfill waste, and supplies renewable energy. Their innovations demonstrate a scalable and sustainable approach to waste management, serving as a model for municipalities and businesses.

Omrin’s Innovative Recycling Technologies

Providing electricity and gas services, including traditional and renewable energy generation, natural and manufactured gas and operating gas networks

Energy Utilities and Independent Power Producers

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Omrin, a leading Dutch waste management company, has implemented innovative technologies to convert non-recyclable waste into renewable energy.Through its Energy Recovery Facility (ERF) in Harlingen and anaerobic digestion processes, Omrin produces substantial amounts of electricity, heat, and green gas.These initiatives significantly contribute to Friesland's sustainable energy supply and exemplify the principles of the circular economy.

Omrin's Renewable Energy Initiatives

Rationale and ContextualisationThe Netherlands is one of the leading European countries in waste management, with minimal landfill use and high recycling and composting rates. EU policies such as the Landfill Directive drive national strategies to reduce waste and enhance material recovery, which is also the case in the Netherlands. Within this context, Omrin has positioned itself as a frontrunner in circular waste management, contributing to national and European goals of eliminating waste by 2050. Its innovative Circular Chain Management model is integral to transitioning from waste collection to resource recovery and circular economy leadership.History and Reason for CreationOmrin's origins date back to Friesland's regional waste management strategies in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1981, the Provincial States of Friesland established a waste management plan promoting regional cooperation. This led to the foundation of the Public Body Waste Disposal Friesland (OLAF) in 1984, which later evolved into Afvalsturing Friesland in 1995. Omrin was formed as the operational entity, with a focus on modern waste separation and resource recovery techniques. Over time, Omrin has grown into a networked organisation, integrating multiple municipal stakeholders and prioritising circular economy principles over simple waste disposal.Omrin has been integral in contributing circular economy networks within Friesland, being a cofounder of Circulair Friesland, which is a network that is central to scaling the circular economy regionally and a significant force behind the regions success in various circular economy initiatives. The Circular Friesland network was in its conception 6 companies and now includes 160 companies, government organisations, educational institutes, and social organisations all in alliance aiming to facilitate Friesland becoming Europe’s most circular region.&nbsp;Aims and objectivesOmrin's overarching goal is to eliminate waste through a fully circular system where waste becomes a resource. By combining data-driven waste management, innovative recycling technologies, and strategic partnerships, Omrin seeks to minimise resource depletion and contribute to the success of a circular economy. Key objectives include:-Increasing material recovery rates-Reducing waste processing costs for municipalities-Expanding partnerships for circular product chains-Promoting clean mobility through sustainable logistics-Strengthening municipal collaboration for waste governanceStructure and GovernanceOmrin operates under two key entities, firstly Afvalsturing Friesland N.V. which is responsible for waste processing, and is owned by municipalities across Friesland, Groningen, and North Veluwe. The second is N.V. Fryslân Miljeu, which is in turn focused on waste collection, with shares held by Frisian and Groningen municipalities.Omrin’s collaboration with municipalities in the region showcases an innovative model of private-public waste management. Its governance model ensures that decisions align with public interest rather than profit-making. Omrin collaborates with 36 municipalities, collecting waste from over 1.5 million people and 10,000 businesses. This public ownership structure fosters regional cooperation and reinvestment into waste processing technologies and workforce development.<img src="https://goldilocks-images.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/OMRIN_BIOGAS_WAGENPARK_VIREMA_7901_BEWERKT_1620x1080_d696f7b0e2.jpg">Key Projects and InitiativesOmrin has developed several flagship initiatives that showcase its leadership in circular chain management:-Ecopark De Wierde: A state-of-the-art waste separation and processing facility in Heerenveen, achieving a 78% waste recovery rate.-Clean Mobility Chain: A partnership with Scania, Iveco, MAN, and OG Clean Fuels to create a sustainable logistics network with clean fuel stations, due to this Omrin’s own fleet is largely green.-Organic Waste Digestion: High-performance digestion processes for organic waste, significantly increasing biogas production and reducing CO2 emissions.-Smart Data-Driven Waste Management: Utilising digital platforms to optimise waste collection, separation, and material reuse, integrating circular economy principles across the value chain.Omrin achieves high waste separation rates through a unique model that prioritises reuse over waste at the source and post separation. This involves a requirement for some separation of waste on the consumer side, buta advance sorting for plastics, drinks cartons and cans are separated internally at Omrin through smart machines.Beyond waste separation, Omrin recognises that the path to a truly circular economy lies in further collaboration and therefore continually contributes to investments in knowledge, technology, and other circular business models, collaboration with educational institutes, start ups, local governments, and business. This is in line with the Frisian Approach to a circular economy, hinged on broad collaboration across the ‘Triple Helix’ of actors from government, business, and research. For example, The National Test Centre for Circular plastics is a key partner of Omrin’s.Read more about Omrin’s<a href="https://knowledge-hub.circle-economy.com/cgrfriesland/article/30471?n=Omrin%E2%80%99s-Innovative-Recycling-Technologies" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> innovative technologies</a> and <a href="https://knowledge-hub.circle-economy.com/cgrfriesland/article/30472?n=Omrin%27s-Renewable-Energy-Initiatives" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">energy neutral fleet </a>here.Read more about the <a href="https://knowledge-hub.circle-economy.com/cgrfriesland/article/30406?n=NTCP-Pioneering-Circular-Plastics-in-Friesland" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NTCP</a> here.Regional Significance and UniquenessOmrin plays a crucial role in Friesland’s sustainability strategy, distinguishing itself in several ways. The organisation boasts impressive circularity rates, achieving a 78% waste separation rate, significantly surpassing both the Dutch national average of 57% and the EU average of 49%. Its unique shareholder structure, which involves local governments rather than private investors, ensures that profits are reinvested into regional sustainability initiatives. By adopting an integrated circular economy approach, the organization successfully combines waste collection, processing, material recovery, and circular production partnerships within a single cohesive framework.Outcomes and ImpactOmrin’s innovative model has delivered significant economic and environmental benefits:Financial Sustainability: With a turnover of over €200 million and an EBITDA of €42 million, Omrin offers some of the lowest waste processing rates in the Netherlands.Investment in Circular Growth: Over €320 million allocated for upcoming projects to enhance circular economy initiatives and clean energy transitions.Reduction in Waste-to-Landfill: Leading the Netherlands towards its national goal of eliminating landfilling by 2050.Job Creation: Supporting regional employment through its facilities, logistics networks, and innovative circular economy partnerships.Conclusion and Future OutlookOmrin exemplifies how a publicly governed waste management entity can transition into a circular economy leader. By integrating innovative technologies, municipal cooperation, and data-driven waste processing, Omrin has set a benchmark for waste-to-resource transformation. Moving forward, continued investments in circular innovations, clean mobility, and material recovery will ensure that Omrin remains a model for sustainable waste management in Europe.