Three Dutch Companies Win Regional Circular Economy Competition with Groundbreaking Waste Reduction Solutions
Arnhem, Friday, 6 March 2026.
Gelderland province announced three winners of its 2026 circular innovation competition, showcasing companies that are transforming waste into resources. Circle Solution from Arnhem developed energy-efficient technology to separate and reuse gypsum and paper from construction waste. Inexeon from Wijchen repairs and refurbishes climate system components instead of replacing them. Koffiebranderij Peeze from Arnhem created reusable coffee packaging that eliminates thousands of square meters of plastic waste annually while creating jobs for disadvantaged workers.
Regional Competition Highlights Provincial Innovation Drive
The winners were announced on March 2, 2026, during an event held at The AwareHouse at Interface in Scherpenzeel [3]. Nine participants presented their circular economy innovations during a marketplace format, with Helga Witjes, deputy of Gelderland Province, presenting the three best initiatives that will now compete for national recognition [1]. The event was organized by VNO-NCW Midden, Provincie Gelderland, and Regio Stedendriehoek, providing a platform for sustainable solutions and networking [1]. These winners will advance to the National Circular Innovation Top 2026 on Thursday, March 19, 2026 [1].
Circle Solution Tackles Construction Industry Waste
Circle Solution from Arnhem won the Circular Start-up category for their innovative approach to construction waste [1][3]. The company separates gypsum and paper from gypsum boards using energy-efficient methods, making both materials reusable and reducing waste while limiting the use of raw materials in the construction sector [1]. This technology directly addresses the significant problem of gypsum board waste in the Netherlands’ construction industry [3]. The solution represents a practical approach to transforming what was previously considered waste into valuable resources for continued use in building applications.
Inexeon Extends Equipment Lifecycles Through Circular Repair
Inexeon from Wijchen claimed victory in the Circular Changemaker category with their focus on revising defective components of climate installations [1]. The company controls, repairs, and reuses components instead of following the traditional linear ‘throw away and replace chain,’ specifically targeting print boards, ventilators, and pumps [3]. By extending the lifecycle of climate system components, Inexeon reduces material consumption and CO2 emissions [1]. This approach transforms the maintenance industry by proving that sophisticated technical components can be restored to full functionality rather than discarded.
Coffee Packaging Innovation Creates Jobs While Cutting Waste
Koffiebranderij Peeze from Arnhem received recognition for Circular Chain Cooperation with their Geen Verpakking® reusable coffee packaging system [1][4]. The innovation serves the business market by replacing single-use plastic film packaging with reusable containers that are filled at the roastery, delivered to customers, collected after use, professionally cleaned, and redeployed [4]. The system annually saves approximately 15000 square meters of plastic film and 7500 square meters of cardboard [4]. Additionally, the circular model creates about 900 hours of employment per year for people with limited access to the labor market, particularly in cleaning and handling operations [4]. Peeze provides clients with specific data showing waste and CO2 emission reductions, supporting organizations in substantiating their sustainability reports [4].
Provincial Strategy Supports Netherlands’ Circular Transition
Deputy Helga Witjes emphasized the importance of circular demand and the government’s role in stimulating this transition [1]. Through procurement and tendering processes, the province can stimulate demand for circular products and establish agreements with municipalities [1]. The competition demonstrates Gelderland’s commitment to maintaining its healthy and prosperous economy while addressing challenges including space and energy scarcity, climate change, smarter use of raw materials, and digitalization opportunities [2]. The provincial strategy focuses on creating economic conditions that support both residents and entrepreneurs in building the economy of the future [2]. The jury, which included experts such as Harrie van Bommel and Kim Verschuren, evaluated innovations based on factors including chain cooperation, practical testing with various client types, and substantiation of environmental and social impact [1][4].