Circular Economy: There's More to It Than You Think

On turnhoutvoormorgen.be, the city of Turnhout compiles all relevant initiatives and news from Turnhout related to the climate and its climate goals. Our approach to the circular economy is also covered. Read the full article below.

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A-kwadraat: “There are more possibilities than you think”

The circular economy can coexist with a company’s core business. A-kwadraat, a social enterprise for customized work proves this social enterprise for customized work circularity is an extension of sustainable and socially responsible business practices. On a large scale, A-kwadraat a great deal A-kwadraat reuse, while creating social employment remains its primary goal. “We are a strong partner.”

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Inclusion and craftsmanship at every stage of the production process

A-kwadraat, formed in 2019 through the merger of Amival and Alito, provides employment and professional development opportunities to people who are distanced from the labor market. “We serve as an extension of our clients’ production processes and promote inclusion both within and outside our company,” says sales and marketing manager Tim Tilsley.

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A-kwadraat 656 employees, 537 of whom are workers with disabilities who perform tasks such as assembly, labeling, and packaging . “They also put together sets, such as bundles of trading cards. People thrive here because they feel understood and included.” Areas of specialization include the health and nutrition sectors, woodworking, and landscaping.

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Community Workers as Key Players in Circularity

Tim points out that social enterprises often make ideal partners for companies that want to focus on circularity. 

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“For example, our people can use a metal detector to scan beams to find and remove small pieces of iron. That process is difficult to standardize, which means that without the skilled workers, it wouldn’t happen and the beams wouldn’t be reusable. At the same time, a circular business model is only sustainable if subsidized labor isn’t the sole driving force.”

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Circularity is not necessarily the starting point. 

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“The circular activities we’re currently carrying out didn’t come about simply because they’re circular. For many customers, a positive business case is the most important factor. For example, A-kwadraat refurbishes A-kwadraat blood glucose meters for sale in other markets. We also process wood that has already served its purpose—such as vodka barrels and train car floors—into hardwood flooring and garden furniture.”

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Finding Solutions Through Co-Creation

For several years now, A-kwadraat has been A-kwadraat committed to co-creation with customers to identify new needs, improvement opportunities, and innovations. “That’s also how we identify opportunities to operate in a more circular way. With one of our clients, we replaced the shrink wrap used to bundle two products together with a cardboard strip. The marketing department, which can print a promotional message on that paper, was immediately pleased as well (laughs).”

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At its Gierle location, A-kwadraat welcomes A-kwadraat to the Idee-Café, a meeting room designed using circular materials. 

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“In that inspiring space, co-creation flows even more smoothly. With the Idea Café, we show that much more is possible than you might think. The conversation about circularity that you’re drawn into as soon as you walk in immediately sets the right mindset for the meeting.”

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More opportunities in the future

A client A-kwadraat ReCURE, which aims to develop reusable products for the healthcare sector. Although the project is still in the exploratory phase, participation has already led to expanded networking. “There aren’t any concrete job opportunities yet. First, we have to get through that exploratory phase. By participating in research projects like ReCURE, we hope to create a future in which circular practices are standard.”

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In addition, A-kwadraat partnered with Signify. “When we dismantle 3D-printed light fixtures at the end of their lifecycle, Signify can recycle the printed material into new fixtures.” Tim certainly expects the share of circular economy activities in the order book to increase. “Circularity isn’t just a fad—it’s here to stay. Our customer satisfaction survey shows that 80 percent of our customers see opportunities for collaboration in the circular economy. I find that encouraging.”