UG joins recently established Circular Groningen Association

On Thursday 6 April, the Vereniging Circulair Groningen (Circular Groningen Association) was founded in Eemshaven. This association, which already comprises around 30 businesses, is actively committed to accelerating and achieving a circular economy in Groningen. During the first general members’ assembly last Thursday, six board members were presented: Esseline Schieven (Nijestee), Jouke de Vries (University of Groningen), Edmund ten Felde (Bollegraaf Recycling), John Vernooij (Omrin), Carlo Elzinga (Rabobank), and Heleen van Wijk (Groningen Seaports).

The Vereniging Circulair Groningen is an active and open association in which the business world, the education sector, societal organizations, and government work together on circular actions in a hands-on approach through collaboration, inspiration, and simply by getting things done. The Vereniging Circulair Groningen is coordinated by a programme office that develops projects and stimulates knowledge exchange and innovation, among other actions. ‘The association is off to a flying start, particularly as there is plenty of enthusiasm and energy from the business world. Many organizations in Groningen are already working towards a circular economy. We can build on this and make a swift start’, says project leader Bart Volkers. ‘The Municipality of Groningen played an important role in the foundation of the association. It is fantastic that they supported us like that.’

The various members and board members of the Vereniging Circulair Groningen are delighted that the foundation of the initiative was officially approved last Thursday. ‘It is a great collaboration between all these different parties within the ecosystem, really drawn from the business community. We are also incredibly pleased to see the broad support that has been shown for the association. Groningen Seaports also warmly welcomes the initiative, considering that it fits perfectly within the circular proposal and circular cluster that are already being worked on in our harbours’, says board member Heleen van Wijk, circular economy business manager at Groningen Seaports.

The Vereniging Circulair Groningen is open to all new members in Groningen who would like to join in taking steps towards a circular economy.