Joining forces to create a circular economy

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Sustainability

We are rapidly depleting our natural resources. So we need to prevent waste and keep raw materials in circulation. ABN AMRO offers advice and loans to support companies that want to make their business circular.

Circular products becoming mainstream

More and more consumers are opting for circular products and companies are increasingly shifting to circular production. Circularity is becoming mainstream. You might even be doing more in this respect than you think. You return empty bottles, have your clothes repaired, share tools with your neighbours – it all contributes to a society without waste. And that’s exactly what circularity is all about.

What is a circular economy?

In a circular economy products and parts retain their value and raw materials are re-used. Discarded products are not thrown away, but repaired or recycled where possible, or turned into new products and raw materials. This creates a closed cycle without waste. The opposite of a circular economy is a linear economy, where production, use and disposal of products leads to massive waste of raw materials.

The 9 R’s of a sustainable circular economy

The letter ‘R’ plays a prominent role in the circular economy. Together, the 9 R’s can be used to describe circularity. From Refuse to Reuse and from Repair to Recycle. In all circular businesses, one or more of these R’s are central to their business models. Read what they stand for below. The order in which they are listed is not coincidental: it goes from requiring no effort (Refuse) to requiring a lot of work (Recover).

Refuse

The first question we should ask ourselves is: Is it really necessary to buy or develop a product, or to use a certain raw material? If it isn't: don't do it!

Refuse

The first question we should ask ourselves is: Is it really necessary to buy or develop a product, or to use a certain raw material? If it isn't: don't do it!

Rethink

We need to use products more intensively, for example by sharing them.

Reduce

We must seek to reduce the use of raw materials. Try to find ways to use fewer raw materials in the production process.

Reuse

By reusing products, we create a market for second-hand goods.

Refurbish

Restoring old products. More and more, used articles such as laptops and tablets are being refurbished and then resold.

Remanufacture

When remanufacturing, new products are made from old products, or parts of old items. This includes reconditioning of engines or machines.

Repurpose

When we repupose, we reuse a product for another purpose. Designers increasingly have this at the back of their minds when developing products.

Recycle

Recycling refers to the processing and re-use of materials. It is relatively more common in the Netherlands than in other countries.

Recover

We can recover energy through the incineration of materials. Waste incineration without energy recovery is considered taboo in a circular economy.

Joining forces for a circular world

Countless businesses in the Netherlands are working on initiatives that contribute to the circular economy. ABN AMRO supports these businesses by providing advice and financing. By joining forces, we can all do our bit to build a circular economy, which is gradually becoming a reality.

Circular economy & biodiversity

The shift to a circular economy will also make a positive difference for nature. By keeping raw materials in the loop, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prevent pollution. And so we do less damage to nature in our quest for virgin raw materials. This is good for our planet’s biodiversity, which has deteriorated dramatically as a result of human activity. ABN AMRO is committed to help stop and reverse biodiversity loss by working with clients and other stakeholders to address the root causes.

More about biodiversity

Circl Movement

The transition to a circular society is most of all a matter of doing: experimenting, testing, sometimes making mistakes and then getting it right. This is why we built Circl, ABN AMRO’s circular clubhouse. Circl was designed based on the concept of reusing building materials over and over again; the building can be dismantled easily, with a minimum of waste. Not only was Circl constructed according to circular principles, what took place inside the building also contributed to a more sustainable economy. By having thinkers and doers meet for various sustainability themes, we set in motion a movement that is making an impact: the Circl Movement.

In 2021, ABN AMRO announced the sale of its head office at the Gustav Mahlerlaan in Amsterdam. Circl was included in the sale. The building will not be demolished, but instead dismantled and reused, which is precisely what it was designed for. ABN AMRO will follow the whole process closely and share the lessons learned.

In view of the sale and dismantling of the Circl building, ABN AMRO has not organised any physical activities there since June 2023. However, that does not mean our Circl Movement has ended. We are still connecting scientists, experts, professionals, policy makers and organisations, sharing knowledge and forging alliances. We will continue to do these things by posting inspiring and in-depth content on our website and by organising programmes across the country. So keep a close eye on Circl’s website for more information.

Circl Movement

Product-as-a-Service

These days, more and more products are offered as a service. ABN AMRO is giving a boost to this development through advisory and financing.

Product-as-a-service boosts the circular economy

Circular procurement

Being a large enterprise, ABN AMRO purchases a wide array of products and services. We have already made our procurement sustainable and with circular procurement we are going a step further.

Circular procurement

Sustainable financing and investment solutions

By leveraging capital for sustainable impact, we can make a contribution together with our clients to the planet and people. That’s why we offer clients a range of sustainable financing and investment solutions.

Sustainable financing and investing