Circular Economy Interim Targets for 2035

The Dutch government is working towards the goal of becoming fully circular by 2050. KplusV, in collaboration with CE Delft and TNO, supported the Ministry in translating this ambition into concrete circular economy targets for 2035. The result is a set of three national targets for the transition to a circular economy by 2035, providing direction for policy, implementation, and monitoring:

• Reducing resource consumption: By 2035, total resource use is capped at 235 million tonnes, a 15% reduction compared to 2016.
• Substituting primary and abiotic resources: By 2035, at least 55% of resource use consists of sustainable biotic and secondary (recycled) materials.
• Retaining resources in the economy: At least 82% of Dutch waste is recycled, of which at least 15% is high-grade (i.e. high-quality) recycling.

CE Delft played a substantive role in supporting KplusV throughout the process, contributing its expertise in product value chains and environmental impact analysis (LCA):

• Further development of the methodology: The initial methodology, developed by TNO, was refined in collaboration with KplusV. CE Delft adapted it to suit the four circular strategies, including calculations on the impact of substituting materials with renewable or recycled alternatives.
• Expert participation in workshops, where representatives from 15 sectors explored the circular potential of their respective industries.
• Support in conducting the analyses, translating the findings to the national level.
• Contributing to the formulation of the national targets, through strategic and technical input.