Cross-sectoral circular showcases
Rotterdam is innovating its way to a circular economy, here you can find circularity projects, initiatives and collaborations across industries. From upgrading construction practices to tackling food waste and progressively using renewable fuels in the port area, Many exciting initiatives, supported by municipal and regional levels, represent progress in the journey toward a sustainable future, check out some of them below.
BlueCity: circular hub and role model
If you say ‘circularity’ in Rotterdam, you say BlueCity. Situated in the city centre, it serves as both an inspiring international icon and a national platform for circular entrepreneurs, showcasing the transformative power of the circular economy. Inside BlueCity’s ecosystem, waste streams are ingeniously repurposed as valuable resources, with the output of one enterprise serving as the input for another. This innovative approach not only addresses environmental challenges but also fosters a vibrant community of entrepreneurs. Among the pioneering ventures housed within BlueCity are Cafaberry, Better Future Factory, FruitLeather Rotterdam, BlueBlocks, Fabulous Fungi and many more, each stimulating entrepreneurship. Check out all entrepreneurs based in BlueCity here.
Circularity in construction: SAWA
SAWA, the innovative residential building designed by Mei architects and planners, is set to redefine sustainable living on Rotterdam’s Lloyd Pier. Constructed primarily from wood and designed to store CO2, SAWA represents a groundbreaking approach to circularity and affordability in housing. It is not only the first project of its kind in Europe in terms of scale and height but also integrates a thoughtful green concept, including private outdoor spaces and a communal vegetable garden, to promote biodiversity. Anticipated for completion mid 2025, SAWA will not only offer residents a modern, aesthetically pleasing living space but also contribute to the city’s larger vision for a greener, more sustainable future.
Circular 'transfarmation': Floating Farm
Let’s talk transfarmation. Floating Farm in Rotterdam isn’t just a dairy farm—it’s a groundbreaking example of circularity and sustainability in action. From recycling biomass into dairy products to harnessing energy from floating solar panels and purifying rainwater, every aspect of the farm is designed to be self-sufficient and eco-friendly. By upcycling waste products like grass into nutritious feed for their cows, Floating Farm demonstrates how innovative thinking can transform urban landscapes into hubs of sustainable food production. The farm also serves as a platform for education, inviting visitors to learn about the importance of sustainable farming practices. As part of a larger movement towards “transfarmation,” Floating Farm is paving the way for a future where cities can produce fresh food in a transparent and environmentally conscious manner.
Stadshaven Brewery: circularity in a bottle
Cheers with circular beer! Stadshaven Brewery boasts state-of-the-art technology that ensures every sip of beer is not just delicious but also sustainable. Located on the quayside of Merwehaven (M4H) the brewery offers patrons the unique experience of enjoying a circularly brewed beer while watching cargo ships pass by. But the brewery’s commitment to circularity doesn’t stop there—energy and water are recovered and reused, with condensation and cooling water collected and solar panels on the roof providing surplus energy stored in old scooter batteries. Collaborating with neighbours like Rainmaker, the brewery even converts waste water back into brewing water, showcasing innovation at its finest. And let’s not forget about the cows at Floating Farm, who benefit from the brewery’s spent malt, producing more milk as a result.
Rotterdam Circular Magazine
This downloadable magazine answers many question of how Rotterdam intends to make the transition from a linear to a circular economy. For example, how is the port dealing with sustainability and circularity? What role do BlueCity and RDM play in this? How are they doing at Erasmus MC? In other words: how do we together make our city better, more beautiful, healthier, smarter and fairer on the way to a sustainable future? Every single one of these inspiring stories encourages reflection. You can read them all in the Rotterdam Circular magazine!
