Towards a circular economy: The role of Dutch logistics industries and governments

Abstract

While there is great potential in the chief values and prospects of a circular economy, this alone will not bring the circular economy to market or scale. In order for a circular economyto materialize, an integrated approach that focuses on a long-term system change or transitionis required. To set the change process in motion, many (public and private) players (companies,authorities, citizens, and research institutions) need to be involved. Among the many stakeholders, agenuine enabler to implement a successful and sustainable circular strategy is the logistics industry. Given that The Netherlands is used as a case study, in this paper, we focus on the Dutch logisticsindustry and how this industry can contribute to the broader Dutch agenda to realize a more circulareconomy. It implies looking at the specific transition agenda for the logistics industry in relation toa circular economy, what barriers may exist that might hamper such a transition, and how publicpolicy-makers are dealing with and can tackle these barriers.