Circular Economy – a major transition

The Netherlands is one of the countries pushing for a circular economy. An increasing number of companies, other organisations and researchers are devoting ever more attention and resources to closing (material) supply chains, redesigning supply chains for reuse of goods and materials and the deployment of new, circular business models. Logistics is an important part of this transition as logistics is all about the ability to organise supply chain cooperation and manage networks.

It is good to note that this does not only concern the physical flow of goods and materials from A to B, but rather the integrated approach of thinking in multi-actor supply chains. As such, it is easy to see that the transition to a circular economy offers ample opportunities for logistics service providers and logisticians: they are the connected in supply chains and organisations. And now, we’ve hit the jackpot: scaling initiatives will only success if companies, organisations and researchers manage to cooperate effectively and frictionless. Additionally, in the Netherlands around 10% of GDP is generated by logistics and 10% of people are employed in this industry. A circular transition in logistics implies a large step in the overall transition. Therefore we are confident in stating: logistics moves the circular economy (ahead).

Roles of supply chain actors

A transition of this magnitude creates uncertainties. Uncertainties about the roles of producers, logistics service providers, distributors and, possibly new roles. How can a logistics service provider be of value in a circular business model? In which way should a producer’s circular supply chain be redesigned? Many parties are looking for insights. At the same time companies, organisations and researchers conduct research and innovation in this field. A logical step is to bring these parties together to enhance and accelerate innovation, knowledge development and innovation as to organise circular value chains.

TKI Dinalog, a platform of logistics professors (Logitimo), evofenedex, Stichting Transactieland, Taskforce for Applied Research SIA and Stichting Het Groene Brein organises a yearly conference titled Logistics for a Circular Economy. These conferences took place on 31 October 2018, 31 October 2019 and 27 October / 25 November 2020 and 4 November 2021 en 11 October 2022.

The conference, a history

Every yearly conference has its own theme. In 2018 the theme was “Looking Differently”, in 2019 “Thinking Differently” and in 2020 “Daring to Act Differently.” As an observant reader it is easy to notice the logical order in these themes. First it is necessary to realise that there’s other ways of looking at things. This is a necessary, otherwise it is quite challenging to change a mindset and way of thinking. These are the steps that are needed before you can act differently. In our joint programming these themes are now the guiding principles for our activities:

  1. Looking Differently
  2. Thinking Differently
  3. Daring to Act Differently

Originally an independent event, the conference is now part of a wider range of activities. Activities in which work aimed at facilitating and realising the transition to circulair supply chains. Currently, our activities include the conference and student assignments with companies. The conference “Logistics moves the circular economy (ahead)” is the summit of and for those activities, as well as the moment to showcase achievements.

Projects and partners

In their own way, each partner supports companies and projects that contribute to the transition to a circular economy. As for TKI Dinalog the first project it funded was Logi-CE (completed). The next step was followed by, for example, a project that looked at performance management in circular and sustainable supply chains. At the end of 2022 two new projects concerning the logistics of the circular economy have been awarded, LogiCELL and LINCIT. Additionally, we have financed a project to explore the logistics of biogas. In short, good examples of logistics in circular chains.

SIA also finances a range of projects, e.g. in the so-called KIEM arrangement, see for example the projects awarded in 2022. Evofenedex supports her members with knowledge and availing its network.

See differently

What do we do?

Looking Differently

Under this heading we focus on the question: What is the role of logistics in a circular economy? Thus, this heading concerns the creation of a vision, as well as the promotion and dissemination of this vision as to build support for and recognition of that vision. In doing so, we aim to create enthusiasm amongst entrepreneurs for a circular economy.

Sharing Best Practices

To inspire and to demonstrate the value of logistics in a circular economy, we offer entrepreneurs and companies a stage to showcase their ideas, value cases and businesses. This will create enthusiasm for those looking at the opportunities and challenges of a circular economy, creating an understanding of the contribution of logistics to circular business models and offer guidance for actions.

Topsector Logistics Conference

The “topsector logistics” regularly organises conferences and meetings. At these events we contribute content to highlight the relevance and urgency of the transition to a circular economy, in particular for the logistics sector. These contributions are meant to inspire logistics entrepreneurs and managers that are not yet familiar with circular economy. Best practices are an important tool in this respect. In addition, this allows us to identify urgent research questions.

Website

For the moment, our activities are primarily promoted on this website; for example by publishing reports of each conference. A next step is to use this, or another website, to offer inspiration and information by means of cases, best practices and knowledge & information. In this way, those that look for support do not need to start from scratch. In addition, Het Groene Brein publishes knowledge maps (in Dutch) that have a more generic perspective on the transition.

Thinking Differently

Under this heading we focus on the question: Which opportunities does a circular economy offer for logistics? This question aims to identify and explain opportunities and possible courses of action for entrepreneurs and companies; both those with a logistics background and a circular focus.

Framework

To understand which courses of action exist for circular and logistics entrepreneurs/companies we are developing a database of circular use cases. Once completed, this database is an encyclopedia to be used for communication purposes and analysis. On the one hand, this will create insight in existing initiatives. On the other hand, this will enable research into patterns, commonalities and other aspects when it comes to logistics of the circular economy. Research that will provide lessons and guidance to others wanting to contribute to the transition. Once available, we will publish this database on this website.

Student assignments

We will engage students from different institutes to fill that database. Those students will use the standardised framework mentioned above to interview and analyse use cases from individual entrepreneurs/companies.

Decision tree and iconic project circular consumer goods

The Transition Team for Consumer Goods has asked Het Groene Brein to develop a decision tree that offers clear courses of action for consumer goods supply chains to become (more) circular. Furthermore, we are developing an iconic project focuses on return logistics in a circular economy.

Research questions

As one of the main sources of knowledge and know-how for the transition to a circular economy, it is vital to avail that knowledge and know-how to the wider world. Equally important is to keep that up-to-date. Our framework enables us to identify the need for knowledge, as well as possible opportunities. It goes without saying that w don’t stop at merely identifying those questions, but facilitate finding the relevant answers and insights as well.

Knowledge Gap Report

In the “topsector logistics” the circular economy is a well-known field. TKI Dinalog programs research and the development of tools and methods. Moreover, TKI Dinalog actively participates in the development and implementation of the so-called “Knowledge and Innovation Agenda (KIA) for a Circular Economy.” Additionally, universities, as well as Logitimo and similar platforms develop knowledge and insights about the transition. The Knowledge Gap report is based on the report of the 2020 conference and used as input for said KIA, as well as the Call for Proposals issues by TKI Dinalog in the first quarter of 2021.

Daring to Act Differently

Under this heading we look at the question: How do we initiate and accelerate the transition? As such, the focus is on connecting the right parties and partners to realise circular supply chains and identifying questions that may arise in doing so. This is a learning-by-doing approach par excellence.

Entrepreneurial Use Cases

We facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise in co-creation sessions as to support entrepreneurs. Such sessions may be organised at any point, as well as at our yearly conference. Using questions posed by entrepreneurs, we cooperate to solve those questions – or at the very least provide useful insights. We look at the questions from three perspective: logistics, science and policy. Anyone is free to contribute questions.

Supply Chain Cases

Certain aspects of the transition requires (systemic) changes at different levels and in different stakeholders (business, government, citizens/consumers). During the conference, we work on supply chain cases where we open the floor to these different perspectives (or supply chain partners) to explore potential courses of action. Outcomes of such sessions are the basis to address supply chain challenges. In doing so, we engage researchers and students from universities and universities of applied science in several ways (minors, courses and thesis assignments).

Need more?

TKI Dinalog is at your disposal for knowledge, making connections, developing projects and, in some cases, financing of projects. Please contact Robert Ossevoort to know more.