Impact through Research to Scaling
The mindset is clearly shifting. Focus on circular transition by many sector organizations, business networks and organisations has gained traction. Early adopters and business cases are inspiring. In many different applications, as the use circular cases moving in Flanders clearly show.
Flanders, frontrunner in the circular economy
Flanders has been a frontrunner in recycling and wants to be a frontrunner in the circular economy. The cross-cutting circular transition is a priority of the Flemish government: a clear decoupling of the material footprint from consumption and a reduction of material footprint by 30% towards 2030.
‘Circular Flanders’ is the hub and inspiration for the Flemish circular economy. It is a partnership of government, companies, civil society, and the knowledge community that is taking action together. In 6 thematic sectors. Read more about Circular Flanders’ strategic approach. Circular Flanders also supports levers that accelerate circular transition
Impact through research to scaling
Knowledge sharing, circular research, data, experiments and pilot projects by companies are crucial steps.
Creating impact through research and innovation. imec, the world’s largest independent research and innovation centre for nanoelectronics and digital technology, exactly does this.
And so does the Flemish Institute for Technological Research – VITO, as one of Europe’s top research centres and science-to-technology partner: sustainability is at the core of its technological innovations.
One way to accelerate impact, is helping to create market acceptance, for example through the guidance by Circular Flanders on circular procurement to Flemish cities and municipalities. Or an eco-system circular move such as the recently launched Bio-Circular Construction Charter by the construction sector, signed by over 150 stakeholders.
Impact comes with building even larger strategic partnerships along the value chain, in an enlarged ecosystem, with market acceptance, with the opportunity to scale, local, regional, international.
Scaling through increased European cooperation
Circularity has impact through interaction and partnerships. With its open economy and international mindset, fostering international business exchange has always been essential for the Flemish economy and Flanders-based companies.
With its worldwide network the government agency Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) accelerates international cooperation and business connections.
FIT gathered prime examples of innovative sustainable and circular solutions and participates with these companies, including the research institute VITO, at LOOP Forum. Because LOOP in Copenhagen offers an excellent forum for sharing knowledge and expertise and for exploring possible partnerships. Read here about the participants from Flanders at LOOP Forum 2025.
The panel sessions powered by Flanders Investment & Trade at LOOP 2025 are an invitation to start the dialogue and have further discussions at the ‘Flanders meets Denmark’ booth.
Flanders looks forward to creating partnerships with Denmark and scaling the circular economy together.
