How do you encourage SMEs to put circular economy into practice? That was the central question of the round table organised as part of the "Go For Circular" campaign. Using the construction sector as a concrete example, the discussions highlighted the value chain as a key lever for driving circular transformation.
Joining Forces to Drive the Circular Economy: Highlights from the Trends Z Round Table
Circularity, a Collective Dynamic
The round tables brought together a variety of stakeholders from different backgrounds. The French-language session featured David Lamy (GreenWin), David Eloy (Groupe Eloy), Hélène Herman (Circular Wallonia), and Etienne Mignolet (FPS Economy). For the Dutch-language session, the panel included Lieze Cloots (OVAM), Caroline Deiteren (Embuild), Axel Segers (EXIE), and Lien Meurisse (FPS Economy). Their insights shed light on the challenges, barriers, and concrete opportunities that the circular economyThe circular economy is a restorative and regenerative economy. By maintaining the value of the products, materials and resources in the economy through smart product design, repurposing and/or shared use of products, it reduces the extraction of natural resources by using resources already present in the economy. presents, especially for SMESmall and medium-sized enterprisess.
For circularityCircularity describes the quantity of materials managed in a closed loop. to be fully embedded, every link in the value chain, from product design to end-of-life, has a role to play. The sessions emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships between companies, research centres, public authorities, and field actors to foster innovation, reduce waste, and optimise resource use.
At the same time, panel members emphasised a number of conditions for success: tailored support, a consistent regulatory framework, and the promotion of inspiring local initiatives.
Inform, Support, Inspire
This website was launched specifically to support businesses in that process, bringing together practical tools, advice, and real-world testimonials for SMEs. The aim is to demonstrate that every action counts, no matter how small, and that embracing circularity can boost competitiveness while reducing ecological impact.
Watch the round table discussion on circular economy (in French or in Dutch).