Biobased & Circular economy

For a sustainable future, we need to use our raw materials and natural ecosystems more efficiently. That is why the Netherlands has set itself the target of being 50% circular by 2030, and becoming a fully circular and biobased economy by 2050. An economy with minimal resource consumption, more renewable materials, and innovative supply chains.

We do not want to exhaust the planet. That is why we focus on preventing overconsumption and waste, and restoring natural ecosystems. This requires a different way of thinking and a fairer distribution of resources. We collaborate on changing regulations and developing new financing solutions, and we invest in companies that contribute to a successful circular economy. All for the Netherlands of the future.

The common thread of a circular textile chain

The textile industry is one of the most polluting industries, responsible for 5 to 10 percent of global CO₂ emissions, 35 percent of microplastics in our environment, and 92 million tons of waste per year. A circular textile chain, in which recycled and bio-based materials are used and the lifespan of clothing is extended, can reduce this negative impact. Invest-NL is committed to a circular economy and has investigated how we can stimulate and finance a circular textile chain. The study ‘Towards a Dutch Circular Textile Industry: Exploring the common thread’ provides insights into the bottlenecks in the chain and concrete recommendations for achieving a circular textile chain.

The success factors of circular entrepreneurship

The deeply ingrained linear economy often makes it challenging for circular enterprises to develop a profitable business model. Without a solid business model, circular initiatives struggle to take off. Last year, we explored this issue in practice and published an initial report. In the past few months, in collaboration with ScaleUp Practitioners and Het Groene Brein, we have delved deeper into the success factors and prerequisites of circular entrepreneurship in theory.

Crucial role of ‘shared facilities’ in scaling up biobased chemistry

Today, Invest-NL has published a report "Scaling Up Factory-Free in Biobased Chemicals in the Netherlands." This report sheds light on the challenges and solutions surrounding the scaling of biobased chemistry startups in the Netherlands and emphasizes the need for shared facilities to enable this industry to grow successfully.

Read the story

Our strategic choices

Our task is significant, so we need to make choices. We support critical sectors such as textiles, electronics, and construction to become circular step by step. We focus on financing circular companies and market development within these sectors, and collaborate on innovative business models, innovation, and scaling up circular materials, such as bio-based alternatives to plastic.

Biobased & Circular economy portfolio

We are proud of the companies we invest in and the funds we participate in. With these entrepreneurs and partners, we create impact.

What do we focus on

We want to transform our economy, which is currently focused on growth and consumption, into a balanced bio-based and circular economy.

Priority 1

Biobased materials and recyclers

The chemical industry is facing a major transition, with renewable raw materials as a starting point. To accelerate this transition, we are investing in companies that replace fossil plastics with bio-based alternatives and strengthen recycling capabilities. And we are exploring ways to help bio-based chemistry startups grow without having to build their own production facilities.

Priority 2

Chain development

A circular economy is only possible if the entire chain works together, from production to use. We focus on making chains circular by investigating and addressing financing bottlenecks. The insights from our analyses help to better tailor future financing instruments and market development strategies to sector-specific challenges.

Priority 3

Circular business models

We invest in promising companies with innovative, circular business models. With patient capital and expertise, we support entrepreneurs to realize and scale their circular plans

Our experts in Biobased & Circular Economy

To all colleagues

Xandra Weinbeck - sr. business development manager

Willemijn van der Elst - investment associate

Tim van Vledder - sr. investment manager

Marjella de Vries - sr. investment manager

Lisette Kersting - van der Boog - sr. investment manager

Jeroen Derkx - sr. business development manager

Our publications

We not only provide capital but also knowledge. With our legal, financial and technical expertise, we resolve bottlenecks and provide key sectors with prospects. We are happy to share our insights!

Conference - Circular business in transition

Biobased & Circular economy

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10 april 2025

Conference - Circular business in transition

Transition pathway towards biobased chemistry in the Netherlands

Biobased & Circular economy

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6 december 2024

Transition pathway towards biobased chemistry in the Netherlands

Towards a Dutch Circular Textile Industry

Biobased & Circular economy

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16 september 2024

Towards a Dutch Circular Textile Industry

Factory-free scaling in the Biobased Chemistry in the Netherlands

Biobased & Circular economy

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12 juli 2024

Factory-free scaling in the Biobased Chemistry in the Netherlands

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Elisabeth Storm de Grave

investment principal

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View all our themes

We want to make an impact. We do this within a number of strategic themes: Agrifood, Biobased & Circular Economy, Deep Tech, Energy and Life Sciences & Health. See how we are making progress together within these themes.

Agrifood

The Netherlands is striving for a sustainable and climate-neutral food system. This requires a shift towards the production and consumption of mainly plant-based proteins, and a transition to regenerative agriculture. We invest in companies and stimulate sectors related to plant-based proteins, soil quality restoration, biodiversity, and regenerative farming.

Deep tech

Our National Technology Strategy highlights ten technologies that are vital for our economic growth, national security, and solving societal challenges. To succeed in this, significant investments are needed to support deep tech companies through the notorious ‘valley of death’. That is the role of our Deep Tech Fund.

Energy

To limit climate change, a significant shift from fossil fuels to sustainable technologies and energy sources is necessary. We aim for a fully CO₂-neutral and circular energy system by 2050. We are working to scale up alternatives to fossil fuels, strengthen the economic structure through innovation, and promote energy savings.

Life Sciences & Health

The level of care in the Netherlands is high, but costs are rising and healthcare is not equally accessible to everyone. We focus on innovative companies and initiatives that prevent, replace, and relocate expensive care. We develop models that make preventive care financable and invest in tomorrow's diagnostics and medical technology.