DU.zirkulär - Circular Economy Innovation
DU.zirkulär, a circular economy initiative in Duisburg’s Ruhrort district, is emerging as a model project that integrates cluster cooperation and innovative policies to drive sustainable growth.
With €4.1 million funding from the German branch of the European Regional Development Fund (EFRE) “CircularCities.NRW” initiative, this pilot, beginning in April 2025, will leverage partnerships between government, local businesses, and research organizations to develop solutions that reduce waste and enhance resource efficiency. This new project aligns with the aims of the Interreg Europe Accelerate GDT project by creating scalable, policy-driven solutions that strengthen economic clusters and promote cross-sectoral collaboration.
One of the key aspects of DU.zirkulär is the integration of a circular economy into the daily life and the incentive for citizens to participate in the processes. It will also focus on resource optimization within the construction sector and local industry, incorporating digital tools for managing material flows and reducing environmental impact. Through policy integration and the active involvement of diverse stakeholders—including the City of Duisburg, Duisburg Business & Innovation (DBI), and regional enterprises—the project aims to establish Ruhrort as a replicable model for circular economy practices.
DBI’s CEO, Rasmus C. Beck, highlights DU.zirkulär’s role as a catalyst for Duisburg's economic transformation, emphasizing the collaboration between public and private sectors.
Key project features include public engagement strategies to encourage sustainable practices and a circular economy coordinator role within the city administration to support ongoing policy implementation and project scaling. As DU.zirkulär builds a circular economy cluster in Ruhrort, it can serve as a reference for similar regions in Europe.