Reduce, re-use and recycle, this is circularity in a nutshell and one of Rotterdam’s top priorities. It is urgent that we change our way of consumption and production. If we do nothing now and the world population counts 9.6 billion people by 2050, we need three planets to provide the natural resources needed. Circularity is not only about reducing our footprint but it also offers a groundbreaking approach to the way we produce and consume, with the future of our planet as a guiding principle.

Rotterdam Circular

As part of our Roadmap Next Economy, Rotterdam has developed a Roadmap Circular Economy. Rotterdam’s ambition for 2030 is for circular economy to be common practice and by then, to have the primary use of raw materials reduced with 50% compared to today. The four key sectors on which the circular programme will focus are construction, green energy, consumer goods and care. More than 60% of Rotterdam’s waste comes from the construction sector. Not surprising considering the fact that Rotterdam is famous for its modern architecture and that it is growing rapidly with 50,000 new-build houses planned until 2040. This is why the municipality, together with construction companies, will encourage the use of circular concrete.

Circular solutions

We have set our goals and ambitions but now it comes down to its implementation at a practical and scalable level. With plenty of pilot pilot projects and successful solutions (In Dutch) we are well underway. Rotterdam would not be able to achieve impact without significant efforts of residents and entrepreneurs. We therefore encourage circular initiatives and improve the investment climate for green entrepreneurs and innovative start-ups. Many of them have already found their way to Rotterdam. Especially BlueCity, Rotterdam’s hotspot for circular companies, is boosting the circular mindset of our residents with start-ups and scale-ups developing attractive circular products for the consumer market. With the stimulation of the circular economy, Rotterdam expects to create 3,500 to 7,000 new jobs.