Circularity as a motor of competitiveness
04/09/2025
On Wednesday 3 September 2025, The Shift brought together several members from the construction and industrial sectors for a meeting with David Clarinval, Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy. The conversation centred on the economic and social advantages of a circular approach.
Five Belgian companies – Carmeuse, Velux, Jan De Nul Group, Colas and Cofinimmo – showed that circularity and competitiveness go together perfectly. The meeting is part of the ongoing consultations on circular economy and is in line with the federal platform (MAKE2025-2030) to strengthen the industry in our country.
The companies’ message was unanimous: circularity is not a brake, but a lever for competitiveness and resilience. Thus the participating members:
“Circularity allows us to use raw materials more efficiently, reduce carbon emissions and offer new, low-carbon products at a competitive price.” – Carmeuse
“Circular renovation with the right partners makes our model stronger in the face of rising energy and material costs.” – Cofinimmo
“Recycling asphalt and concrete creates local jobs and reduces our dependence on imports.” – Colas Belgium
“By reusing sand and gravel from remediated soils, we are opening new markets and strengthening our order book.” – Jan De Nul Group
“Circularity guarantees the future value of our products and the stability of our supplies.” – Velux
These lived examples show that circular business practices are not a distant future, but are already contributing to resilient businesses today.
Magali Frankl, director of The Shift, sums it up this way, “Belgium already has many pioneers, but policy remains fragmented. Circularity is not a threshold, but just the engine of a robust and resilient Belgian economy.”
The consultations also received coverage in the newspaper L’Echo, which described the dialogue as “pleasant and constructive.” If the circular economy is to be further developed in the future, there is a need for stronger public-private partnerships and faster permitting procedures for green projects.
You can discover more images from the visit here.
