What are Circular Performers?

Circular Performers are companies that actively drive the transition towards a circular economy and are already implementing concrete projects to realise the Circular Economy. As pioneers, they develop practical solutions, implement flagship projects, and engage in exchange with business and academia to further develop and disseminate circular approaches.

The Circular Performer Emscher-Lippe project pursues a company-driven bottom-up approach: impulses come directly from operational practice, particularly from small and medium-sized enterprises in the region. In working groups, needs are consolidated, challenges are discussed, and concrete measures are initiated.

Project objectives

The aim of Circular Performer is to make the circular economy concretely accessible and implementable for companies, and to further strengthen the Emscher-Lippe region as a pioneer for circular business. Existing and new flagship projects will be bundled, made visible, and strategically further developed.

A key outcome is the development of a circular economy roadmap. It defines concrete measures in central areas of action, such as:

  • Circular product design
  • Resource-efficient production
  • Sustainable supply chain management

In terms of content, the project focuses on essential material flows in the region – including metals, plastics, and the bioeconomy – as well as cross-cutting themes such as the construction industry and digital product passports. Further flagship projects will be initiated and implemented through expert groups, peer learning formats, and scientific support from universities.

 

How do we get involved?

ZINQ plays an active role in Circular Performer Emscher-Lippe. As a founding member, ZINQ helped shape the initiative – it originated from the regional network „Transform to Zero“.

Within the project, ZINQ is involved in the „Metals“ expert group and other working formats where experts from industry, science, and practice collaborate on circular value creation models. ZINQ contributes its experience in durable corrosion protection solutions and closed metal cycles. The recyclability of steel and zinc, as well as the extension of product lifespans, vividly illustrate how the circular economy can be implemented in industrial practice.

Through this cooperation, ZINQ contributes to developing practical solutions, fostering exchange between partners, and further strengthening the region as a model area for circular economy approaches.

To the website Circular Performer