A bioreactor that composts wood waste and converts it into thermal energy and humus. A patent that is revolutionising the disposal of sewage sludge by producing valuable chemicals and energy sources, such as hydrogen, from it. A first-of-its-kind technology that makes it possible to reuse water in apple sorting systems, thereby reducing water consumption and system maintenance while also preserving apples for longer. 

These are just three examples of how innovation in the circular economy is developing within (and around) NOI Techpark. The first two examples (BioLogik Systems and HBI) are based at the innovation district’s Start-up Incubator. There are external companies such as HSE, which has been able to rely on the expertise of our R&D specialists in developing an innovative technology for apple sorting systems. What’s more, there are our laboratories, where researchers fine-tune technologies to create insulating materials from reused plastic or develop standardised façade solutions, while also considering how to correctly dispose of these in the future. 

Reuse, repair, and recycle. The circular economy is a powerful alternative to a model of economic growth based upon mass consumption of limited raw materials – with the result that we would already need two planet Earths to satisfy all our needs. We have destroyed much of our planet and are overwhelmed by waste. The solution once again comes from a return to nature. Instead of a throw-away consumption pattern, we can rely on a pre-existing, highly intelligent circular principle that transforms and reuses everything. 

Once you explore these highly complex and efficient mechanisms, it’s hard not to be intrigued. By nature, but also by how we can apply these principles to the way we manufacture and manage products. After all, once the switch in our mind is flipped, we realise there are countless ways we can recycle, produce new objects without wasting resources, repair and reuse. Of course, we have to do our best, and contribute knowledge and expertise, an innovative spirit, and a willingness to share and collaborate. In essence, this is the DNA of NOI Techpark. It’s no coincidence that for some time we have been really excited about cradle-to-cradle production. This method aims to recover pure materials without ever producing waste. Economy and industry therefore take their inspiration from nature: our greatest teacher and source of sustenance. This is precisely the enthusiasm we want to share. Stay connected with us and be inspired by the examples we will share over the coming weeks to illustrate how the circular economy is not just something we wish for at NOI but something we can actually make possible.