Circular transition

Why Amsterdam? A circular transition frontrunner

Cities consume around 75% of the world’s natural resources and produce nearly half of global carbon emissions. To address this, there is growing global momentum around circular economy transitions. Amsterdam is at the forefront of this movement, and was the first city in the world to commit to becoming 100% circular by 2050. The city focuses on three high-impact value chains: food and organic waste, textiles, and the built environment. 

As the circular transition gains traction globally, it’s also reshaping the meetings industry. Bringing people together around this theme not only fosters knowledge exchange and collaboration, but also challenges organisers to adopt more circular practices, whether that be sustainable venue selection and materials use to catering and waste management.

With strong local and national policy backing the circular transition, a plethora of interconnected urban systems and platforms involved in circularity, and key players rooted in the city, Amsterdam offers an advantageous setting for events related to circular transitions and sustainability.

Amsterdam's circular transition in a nutshell:

• First city globally to commit to a 100% circular economy by 2050, with concrete 2030 targets
• First city to adopt the Doughnut Economics model, aligning environmental limits with social needs
• A living lab for circular solutions, with visible pilots such as Rijdend Ruilrek, De Ceuvel, De Kaskantine, and United Repair Center
• Strong culture of experimentation, driven by a business ecosystem that values purpose over linear growth
• Strong cross-sector collaboration: government, startups, research institutions, and corporates working together
• Circular-minded service providers, such as The Waste Transformers and The Food Line Up, support sustainable food practices and waste reduction at events

Who are the key players in Amsterdam's transition?

Amsterdam’s circular ecosystem includes both high-profile institutions and grassroots innovators. Event organisers can tap into the vast ecosystem of circular players, draw on a wide range of speakers, site visits, and collaborators.

Key actors include:

• AMS Institute - applied research in urban challenges, including material flows and construction reuse
• Impact Hub Amsterdam - accelerator and community space for circular and impact-driven startups
• Waag Futurelab - civic research institute focused on open-source innovation and ecological transformation
• Amsterdam Circular - supporting scalable circular ventures
• Port of Amsterdam - Amsterdam port for material reuse and circular logistics infrastructure
• Rijdend Ruilrek - mobile swap stations enabling community-led circular fashion

What circular events already happen in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam regularly hosts sustainability and circularity-themed events that connect international delegates with local innovation. 

Examples include:

• WasteBuild ZERO - An international architecture and construction event focused on circular and regenerative building practices, bringing together architects, engineers, and material innovators
• WeMakeThe.City - A multi-day festival focused on urban innovation and circular solutions, using venues across the city
• The Week of the Circular Economy - A citywide event featuring tours, workshops, and lectures on circular initiatives, from repurposing waste into pavement tiles to upcycling textiles
• Beyond Next - Organised by Impact Hub and Amsterdam Impact, highlighting systems thinking and practical applications of circular business
• Plant FWD -  An annual event focused on accelerating the plant-based transition, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers working on sustainable food systems
• Kingpins - A global denim trade show with a strong focus on sustainability and innovation in textile production, often featuring circular technologies, recycled materials, and supply chain transparency

These events often use sustainable venues and civic innovation hubs such as Pakhuis de Zwijger and Marineterrein, reinforcing the circular principles in the experience itself.

How the Amsterdam Convention Bureau can support your event

The Amsterdam Convention Bureau offers practical support for organising conferences and meetings with a focus on circular transition. 

We assist in identifying suitable venues, connecting with local experts, shaping programmes that align with the city’s sustainability goals, and advising on logistics such as catering, transport, and materials. Amsterdam provides not only the setting but also the networks and infrastructure to support impact-driven events.

Contact our team to explore how we can support your next circular economy gathering.