Arnhem-Nijmegen University of Applied Sciences offers a Master’s programme in Circular Economy, available on both a full-time and part-time basis. On March 20th, at the start of Circular Economy Week, a group of 18 part-time students visited Vebego Bright Solutions and Cirmar. The aim was primarily to exchange experiences: how can progress be made, even in a world under pressure and with a predominantly linear focus?
Dominique Maas, Supply Chain Manager at Vebego Bright Solutions, gave a tour of the distribution centre, during which she discussed both circular and sustainable products, as well as how these are incorporated into a circular economy.
Birgitte Engelen and Kees Peil – also from Vebego Bright Solutions then spoke about the journey they have undertaken over the past 20 years to develop sustainable and circular products and concepts step by step, as well as the barriers that have been overcome and those that still need to be addressed. Twenty years of focus have shown that a significant proportion of the product range is now sustainable and circular, and that a growing number of customers appreciate this and even specifically request it (in tenders, for example).
Cirmar’s Frans Beckers then explained how these past decades, collaboration has taken place on product development, reverse logistics, refurbishment and recycling, as well as the digital foundation in the form of C_passport®. A fine example of collaboration, based on a shared understanding that every step in the right direction counts, that it is better to make progress and get things moving, and then to optimise them.
Above all: you must not allow yourself to be distracted by what is not yet right or sorted out. All in all: an inspiring day!