Broad support for SMEs in the transition to a Circular Economy in Limburg

Press release

Sittard - May 2022. The Limburg entrepreneur and network organizations LWV, MKB Limburg, LLTB, Crossroads, Keyport and ESZL are joining forces with the Province of Limburg, LIOF, UM and Zuyd Hogeschool to help entrepreneurs in the transition from linear to circular. The first product of the collaboration is already there: the Overview Map.

The Overview Map gives SMEs a picture of existing initiatives that contribute to the transition to a Circular Economy. Per initiative one can click through for more information and contact details. 

Showing what is already there

It is typical of the way in which cooperation is envisaged. Not just talk, but above all do. To strengthen the circular movement in Limburg together. First by showing what is already there and connecting those things together. From there, the focus is on broad awareness and urgent need, so that entrepreneurs actually start working on it.

Urgent and topical 

Many SMEs are still at the beginning of the transition to a circular economy. The interest is growing, but so is the need. Raw material scarcity, energy prices and the impact of covid make that clear. It is more topical than ever, the time is right. During the corona crisis, the partners already experienced that working together pays off. The lines of communication are in place, now it's time to move forward. And because the collaborating parties with this map speak the same language and share the same ambition, momentum can be built.

Collaboration

Creating awareness among SMEs is a prerequisite for further growth and strengthening their competitive position. The Circular Economy Map Limburg is the first step in a growth model of cooperation and joining forces. By showing the opportunities that circularity can offer and how the Limburg ecosystem works, the SMEs themselves can start exploring the possibilities to further color the transition.

"We put the opportunities on the table, offer frontrunners a stage and bring the chain into focus. After all, for circular solutions you have to work together with the parties that come before and after you in the chain. That's where an active role lies for us." Speaking is Gé Moonen chairman Keyport and chairman expertise center Sustainability & Innovation LWV. "We are now going to work on developing a program. That will be ready before the summer. It will be thematic and sector-oriented. Then the crossovers will come naturally. Because if you know which theme tables and field labs there are, or who is working on protein substitutes, valorizing residual flows, sustainable construction or recycling paper and plastic, then you can make contact yourself."

First, it is important that entrepreneurs can see the forest for the trees. Including through shiftLimburg (hallo@shiftlimburg.nl), the community platform that connects parties in Limburg to accelerate the pace of transitions in circularity, energy, health and digitalization.