Industry tools

In a time of geopolitical tensions, import tariffs, and vulnerable supply chains, it is essential that Dutch sectors maintain control over their raw materials. For this reason, the Netherlands is working on the raw materials transition, i.e., the transition to minimal use of primary raw materials, shorter chains, and getting more value from what we already have. Circularity plays an important role in this transition because it helps to keep critical materials in use within our own chain. This contributes to the strategic autonomy of crucial sectors and safeguards the earning capacity of Dutch companies.

To promote the raw materials transition, Circonnect is publishing a series of essential Sector Tools. These tools, in the form of DIY modules and DIY workshops, offer industry associations and regions concrete tools to maintain control over their raw materials through circular working methods.

View all Sector Tools

Increase the strategic autonomy of your product group or region

By utilizing the practical tools, models, and research methods of the Sector Tools, you can:

Investigate the circular potential of your product group or sector and map out its economic value.
Making informed strategic considerations and choices
Develop a clear vision for your product group or sector regarding circularity and security of supply.
Explore different scenarios for your product group or sector, taking into account the context and relevant laws and regulations;
Formulate concrete projects and interventions that will truly future-proof the product group or sector.

From initial exploration to promising next steps

Working with the Sector Tools allows you to get started with circularity and security of supply in your product group or sector at various stages of development. You can use them wherever and whenever you need them.

Substantiating strategic choices

Sector tools support strategic decision-making. They identify key design and production choices—known as hotspots—where targeted attention and action will have the greatest impact. These insights enable you to set priorities, define projects, and develop a clear vision for your product group or sector.

Understanding context and opportunities

The tools enable you to explore different scenarios, analyze the context of your product group or sector, and immediately take relevant laws and regulations into account. They also provide insight into the current state of companies within your product group or sector. This allows you to make informed choices about relevant next steps.

From insight to action

Sector tools form a crucial basis for concrete actions. Although they do not initiate change at the level of individual companies, they help you translate your strategic choices into concrete projects and interventions. The tools not only give you a grip on the circular potential, but also enable you to effectively plan how to make the product group or sector future-proof.

These are the Sector Tools

Circular Potential Methodology

This methodology allows you to identify where the greatest circular gains can be achieved in product chains and sectors, and which factors determine whether that potential is actually exploited. In addition, the Circular Potential Methodology provides tools for setting concrete and achievable goals.

Framework Circular Design

This practical framework allows you to visualize the preservation of a product's ecological and economic value in an accessible way. You can use the Circular Design Framework to identify the most relevant design questions for a product group or sector.

An integrated approach

In addition to making the Sector Tools widely available, Circonnect also supports the development of Roadmaps by product teams from various product groups. These teams consist of representatives from government, industry, and knowledge institutions, who, in a structured and participatory process, set joint goals, priorities, and actions for the next five to ten years. The roadmap is their property, specifically tailored to one product group and, thanks to its uniform design, easy to link to other roadmaps.

Circonnect provides a facilitator who guides the process and contributes relevant knowledge and working methods. Various transition tools are used in seven clear steps, resulting in a supported and coordinated project portfolio that provides direct input for the innovation agenda of the relevant product group.

Would you like to get started with a Roadmap for your sector or product group? Please contact Iris Grobben.

Frequently asked questions

I work for a company and want to start using circular design and supply security for our organization in order to do business in a more future-proof way. Can I use these tools for that purpose?

No, these tools are designed for exploring and formulating the intended development of an entire product group or sector. For individual companies, we have a selection of concrete design tools that you can start using right away. You can find them at

I would like to work on circularity throughout my entire product chain. Are these tools useful for this purpose?

If you want to get started with your chain partners, you can participate in a CIRCO Chain Track. In this series, you will work together to explore the opportunities for your chain and immediately start formulating concrete activities.
For more information, please contact Lilian van Hove.

I am interested in the Roadmap for my sector or product group. Where can I find more information about this?

All information about the Roadmaps in the manufacturing industry can be found on the website of Circular Manufacturing Industry Netherlands. Other sectors publish information about their current roadmaps via their own platforms.

I want a roadmap for my sector or product group; how does that work?

The tools from the Roadmap Approach are freely available for use. Circonnect can provide a facilitator who will guide the entire process and provide substantive support with the right knowledge and working methods. Would you like to know more? Please contact Iris Grobben.

Get started with your product group or sector

The Sector Tools help you make strategic choices, identify hotspots, and formulate a clear vision for circularity. Want to know how to activate the circular potential of your product group or sector?

Get started on your own or work with a Circonnect facilitator who will guide you through the entire process and provide substantive support with the right knowledge and working methods.

Contact Iris Grobben and get free access to our toolkit.