As a follow-up to the first meeting (15 October 2024), the second meeting on 'Venlo Circular Hotspot' was held on 19 February 2025. again, various specialists in the field of circularity gave their views on the opportunities, importance and latest developments in the field of circularity.
Ondernemend Venlo, as representative of the interests of 1,200 companies (with around 40,000 employees), together with the Venlo municipality, has adopted a Development Agenda Economic Vision (OEV)that sets out ambitions and agreements on regional economic development. One of the ambitions is to excel nationally and internationally on circularity. OV embraces the ambition to position Venlo as the Circular Hotspot.
After the welcoming address by Ward Verkuijlen and explanations by Bart Verlegh, Rob van Oene of Mifa spoke about his own experiences in circular entrepreneurship. The attendees were then divided into seven different workshops. They interacted with each other on topics such as "packaging", "data", "construction and infrastructure", "food and feed". They talked about entrepreneurs' ambitions and opportunities for cooperation.
The "minutes" of the meeting were taken by signer Thomas Langedijk and passed on to an ambassador for sustainable business. The signed minutes of 15 October were passed by Marcel Frielinck of Canon Production Printing to Gerbert Vissers of Vissers Energy Group.
After two meetings, it can be concluded that the will to cooperate is definitely there among all parties. Our region offers excellent business opportunities around circularity especially for the manufacturing industry and logistics. It is sublime to experience that entrepreneurs in Venlo also recognise the economic opportunities but also the need for circularity.
