During ICT&Logistics and Logistica Next, Martijn Graat talked to Annemiek Jansen and Arjen Wierikx about the role of logistics within the circular economy. Their message was clear: logistics companies are becoming an indispensable link in retrieving, reusing and extending the lifespan of products and materials. This not only creates sustainable benefits, but also new opportunities for the sector.
'Logistics has been about reducing waste for years'
Arjen, who has now been working in logistics for over 35 years, emphasises that logistics and circularity are closely linked. "When I talk about logistics, we actually always talk about reducing waste. That resonates enormously with how we think in the circular economy," he says. "Logistics and circularity are almost synonyms."
According to him, the role of logistics is increasingly shifting from pure transportation to adding value. Whereas logistics service providers used to be seen mainly as 'box shippers', new roles are now emerging within circular ecosystems. Think of collecting, assessing, disassembling and reusing products and materials.
"A logistics service provider is ideally placed to fill that role," he explains. "There are huge opportunities there."
Growing importance of return and take-back systems
Technology also plays an important role in this. At the fair, Arjen increasingly sees software suppliers working on integrating take-back systems into their solutions. This allows companies to better organise return flows and reuse - a development he believes is inevitable.
He also points to the growing importance of knowledge sharing within the sector. For ten years now, a special seminar has been organised around logistics within the circular economy. Next year, the eleventh edition will take place in Utrecht.
Only 6.9% of the global economy is circular
Annemiek stresses the urgency of the circular transition. "What we see now is that only 6.9% of the global economy is circular," she says. According to her, companies must commit to three key principles: downsizing, slowing down and closing down.
By verslimmen, she refers to smart product design, among other things, so that products can be more easily repaired, reused or remanufactured. Slowing down is about extending the lifespan of products and materials. Closing is about recovering raw materials and products for reuse in the chain.
"Logistics companies really play a vital role in this," said Annemiek.
Circular transition also requires culture change
For logistics companies that want to get started concretely with circularity, she says the first step starts internally. "Look at your own organisation: what flows do you have and where is potential for a circular business model?"
But at least as important is the corporate culture. She says the move to circular business requires support within the organisation, leadership and strategic choices.
"Is your organisation ready for that change? Do you have leadership that really puts circularity on the agenda and allocates time and budget for it? Those are crucial questions."
The message of the talk is clear: the circular economy offers logistics companies not only a social responsibility, but also a strategic opportunity to develop new services and business models.
Roadmap: how to make your logistics operation circular
Step 1: Map your own organisation and flows
Start internally. Look at what flows your organisation has and where there is potential to set up a circular business model.
Step 2: Research where circular opportunities lie
Analyse your current operation: where can you make smarter use of products and materials, and where is there room for reuse, repair or other circular applications?
Step 3: Take a critical look at your organisational culture
Determine whether your corporate culture is ready for circular change. This is not only about processes, but also about the willingness to work differently.
Step 4: Evaluate leadership and internal management
Check whether leadership and management support the circular transition and also put it strategically on the agenda.
Step 5: Free up resources for the transition
Ensure that time, budget and attention are available to make circular development truly possible.
Step 6: Use a maturity measurement as a tool
See where your organisation stands in circular maturity and use this as a basis to determine next steps.
Want to see more interviews with speakers from ICT&Logistics and Logistica Next? View all interviews from LogiNext Talks here.
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