In a circular economy, products, materials and raw materials are continually reused. For example, consumer products like clothes, packaging and toys.

According to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) there needs to be a greater (international) focus on, and increased awareness of, the safe recycling of waste.

The method developed by RIVM to assess whether waste treatment is sufficiently safe and sustainable, can contribute to the European ambitions for a safe and more circular economy.

As of 7 December 2020, RIVM has become a knowledge partner of the international Platform for Accelerating the Circular Economy (PACE).

RIVM has developed a step-by-step plan for the safe reuse of diapers and incontinence material. This plan provides recyclers and licensing authorities with tools to carry out a risk assessment.

If you work on a circular solution or products, you can get lost in the complexity of quality labels, marketing strategies, advice and prohibitions.

A stronger focus on safety, health and sustainability is needed in designing circular products. When basic resources are re-used in new products, health risks should be avoided.

For a successful circular economy, it is essential to improve the conditions in which materials and products are recycled once they have reached the end of their life cycle.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the RIVM Centre for Healthy Living is a prime example of how the national government has taken up its stewardship role within the health promotion

A new report by Statistics Netherlands (CBS), the Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency (PBL) and RIVM outlines a draft monitoring system to measure progress throughout the planned transition