Circular Cities: the Rotterdam blueprint

Rotterdam is embracing the challenge of transitioning towards a circular, or even 'blue' economy. While the path to full circularity may be challenging, Rotterdam's unwavering commitment and stride for innovations signal a promising future where sustainability and economic prosperity go hand in hand, accelerating the movement of a circular economy. The goal? By 2030, circularity will be the way of life, with a fully circular economy within reach by 2050.

Rotterdam understands the urgency of circular collaboration

By 2030, circularity should be the norm in Rotterdam, and reducing, reusing and recycling have been one of the top priorities for the city for some time now. From upgrading construction practices to tackling food waste and progressively using renewable fuels in the port area, Rotterdam is innovating. Many exciting initiatives, supported by municipal and regional levels, represent progress in the journey toward a sustainable future.

For example, Rotterdam’s circular ambitions are embodied in the municipal Program Rotterdam Circular, under the motto ‘Van Zooi naar Mooi’, which translates to ‘From Trash to Treasure’ Rotterdam Circular challenges residents, companies and the municipality to think about how Rotterdam can reuse, reduce or recycle waste.

Governmental subsidies

Circular initiatives are supported by municipal and regional subsidies. They also align with both the Circular Action Plan of the EU’s Green Deal and the Dutch national program Netherlands Circular in 2050. This cohesive approach highlights Rotterdam’s dedication to sustainable urban development and establishes it as a frontrunner in the global circular economy movement.

Initiatives and innovations across industries

Rotterdam boasts exemplary circularity projects, initiatives and collaborations across industries, check out some of them below: 

BlueCity: circular hub and role model

If you say ‘circularity’ in Rotterdam, you say BlueCity. Situated in the city centre, it serves as both an inspiring international icon and a national platform for circular entrepreneurs, showcasing the transformative power of the circular economy. Inside BlueCity’s ecosystem, waste streams are ingeniously repurposed as valuable resources, with the output of one enterprise serving as the input for another. This innovative approach not only addresses environmental challenges but also fosters a vibrant community of entrepreneurs. Among the pioneering ventures housed within BlueCity are Cafaberry, Better Future Factory, FruitLeather Rotterdam, BlueBlocks, Fabulous Fungi and many more, each stimulating entrepreneurship. Check out all entrepreneurs based in BlueCity here.

< Photo (c) Willem de Kam

 

Circularity in construction: SAWA

SAWA, the innovative residential building designed by Mei architects and planners, is set to redefine sustainable living on Rotterdam’s Lloyd Pier. Constructed primarily from wood and designed to store CO2, SAWA represents a groundbreaking approach to circularity and affordability in housing. It is not only the first project of its kind in Europe in terms of scale and height but also integrates a thoughtful green concept, including private outdoor spaces and a communal vegetable garden, to promote biodiversity. Anticipated for completion in 2024, SAWA will not only offer residents a modern, aesthetically pleasing living space but also contribute to the city’s larger vision for a greener, more sustainable future.

Image (c) Mei architects & planners >

Circular 'transfarmation': Floating Farm

Let’s talk transfarmation. Floating Farm in Rotterdam isn’t just a dairy farm—it’s a groundbreaking example of circularity and sustainability in action. From recycling biomass into dairy products to harnessing energy from floating solar panels and purifying rainwater, every aspect of the farm is designed to be self-sufficient and eco-friendly. By upcycling waste products like grass into nutritious feed for their cows, Floating Farm demonstrates how innovative thinking can transform urban landscapes into hubs of sustainable food production. The farm also serves as a platform for education, inviting visitors to learn about the importance of sustainable farming practices. As part of a larger movement towards “transfarmation,” Floating Farm is paving the way for a future where cities can produce fresh food in a transparent and environmentally conscious manner.

< Photo (c) Willem de Kam

Stadshaven Brewery: circularity in a bottle

Cheers with circular beer! Stadshaven Brewery boasts state-of-the-art technology that ensures every sip of beer is not just delicious but also sustainable. Located on the quayside of Merwehaven (M4H) the brewery offers patrons the unique experience of enjoying a circularly brewed beer while watching cargo ships pass by. But the brewery’s commitment to circularity doesn’t stop there—energy and water are recovered and reused, with condensation and cooling water collected and solar panels on the roof providing surplus energy stored in old scooter batteries. Collaborating with neighbours like Rainmaker, the brewery even converts waste water back into brewing water, showcasing innovation at its finest. And let’s not forget about the cows at Floating Farm, who benefit from the brewery’s spent malt, producing more milk as a result.

Photo (c) Stadshavenbrouwerij >

Circular projects in the port

Rotterdam’s circular initiatives are deeply intertwined with its bustling port and industrial areas, where the demand for energy and resources is immense and residual waste is generated. Within the Rotterdam Makers District, circular companies like Umincorp and Royal 3D are leading the transition.

The city’s circularity efforts in the port cluster are aligned with regional policies, focusing on chemical recycling, large-scale waste processing, and biofuels. Collaborating with regional partners, the Port of Rotterdam Authority is pioneering new circular value chains, such as chemical plastics recycling and battery reuse, creating a plethora of opportunities for businesses to innovate and connect.

Some notable projects include Neste and Shell for biofuel production, Buurman Rotterdam for local material reuse, and investments by companies like, TES in battery recycling facilities. In this dynamic landscape, Rotterdam is forging ahead as a global leader in circular innovation.

More on Rotterdam’s energy transition here. If you are looking for more information about Rotterdam Maritime Capital of Europe, check their website.

Circular Port

Photo of port of Rotterdam with solar panels, windmills and ships Port of Rotterdam is a hub of circular and sustainable initiatives. (c) Martens Multimedia
Photo showing Holland Hydrogen I render in the port area Shell's Holland Hydrogen I in Rotterdam will be one of the largest hydrogen factories in the world. (c) Kraaijvanger Architects
Photo showing activities in a wood workshop Buurman Rotterdam is all about local reuse. A circular shop where you get used materials and Rotterdam city wood (c) Buurman Rotterdam
Photo showing a windmill in Rotterdam area Port circular practises also include recycling wind turbine blades. (c) Danny Cornelissen

Innovative initiatives in action

Innovation runs deep in Rotterdam’s DNA. Many passionate entrepreneurs  are working on circular solutions that help shape a sustainable future in various hubs throughout Rotterdam:

Byewaste: repurposing and recycling waste materials and items collected from citizens’ no longer use from their homes for free and giving these item a second life through a network of sustainable partners.

Studio Roosegaarde: combining artistry with sustainability in various projects including the Smog Free Project, purifying the air and even creating a lasting souvenir in the Smogfree Ring.

Fleetcleaner: revolutionizing waste management in maritime environments with robotic hull cleaning technology, repurposing collected waste materials and paving the way for a circular approach to marine conservation.

Superuse Studio’s: presenting creativity in recycling, breathing new life into discarded windmill blades in the form of playgrounds and exploring novel applications like noise cancelers along highways.

Hotel Neutraal: Rotterdam hotels collaborating with partners, taking steps towards a cleaner, more sustainable, circular and better future together.

< Photo (c) Guido Pijper

Relevant circularity related content

11-16 March 2024: Week of the Circular Economy
Rotterdam, a city of energy transition
Sustainable City
Innovative City

Contact us

Get in touch with our team for more insights and information!

Vincent Giljam Business Development Manager International Congresses & Events – IT & Tech / Urban Planning +31 (0)624158712
v.giljam@rotterdampartners.nl
linkedin.com/in/vincent-giljam-37709757/

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