The third value chain session of the Nordic Circularity Piloting Program gathered on April 10, 2025, this time with a focus on the collaboration and partnerships needed to enable circularity. Over 70 attendees joined for another energizing look at the relationships already taking action on circularity, and to discuss the concrete tools required to make these collaborations a success.
The Piloting Program’s Nordic tour continued in Oslo, Norway, with more industry presentations, pitches from companies, and a matchmaking session to find partners for the pilots that will take place in the Program in fall 2025. The urgency of the circular transition was underscored by the fact that the day of the value chain session also marked Sweden's Overshoot Day, a stark reminder of the need to find ways to stop the overuse of natural resources.
Finding the required capabilities, processes, and speed for circularity
The day kicked off with Combient Pure describing the different core and enabling activities that help make circularity reality for companies - and why no company can do this alone. To enable the speed that is required of the circular transition, large companies need agile partners who can bring in new processes and capabilities, while also tackling those impacts that are outside of the company’s control. Nordic Innovation, the funding body for the Nordic Circularity Piloting Program, also provided inspiration for further collaboration by showcasing the new funding calls they have opened to promote a green, socially sustainable and competitive Nordic region.
Supplier engagement, documentation can make or break the loop
An overview of collaboration for circularity was provided by Johanna Andersson, Circular construction and reuse expert at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute. IVL’s development project on circularity in the installation industry included action plans for installers to promote circularity and developed a reuse guide for technical installations. The guide outlines working steps for reuse and high potential products with which to start trialing circularity, and is now being updated to include climate calculations and legal requirements. IVL also highlighted the role of local forums and working groups as a way to exchange experiences and further promote collaboration in the value chain.
Anastasia Wraa, Head of sustainability and advisory from NG Nordic and Øst-Riv provided a concrete example of how the company is involved in the reuse of dismantled building materials. The company aims to extend the life of buildings through, for example, recycling and reusing materials like steel structures and air ducts. They have developed three value chain models for reuse, which also includes collaborating with manufacturers who have the expertise to document, clean, repair, and resell reused products. To make reuse a viable option in the building sector, NG Nordic highlights the importance of jointly developed clear business models, precise documentation e.g. through reuse surveys and guidance on dismantling, and wider and deeper partnerships across the value chain.
Circularity is already reality, and every stakeholder plays a part
The afternoon wrapped up with Klas Österberg, Project manager at Demontera, describing how they collaborate with major real estate companies to dismantle and reuse materials within the construction industry. Demontera emphasized the importance of early inventory and planning for material reuse. Planning and clear goals were also emphasized by Anders Liaøy, Leader for Sustainability in HVAC at Multiconsult, who showcased a building project in Norway that aimed for 100% reuse. The building owner Höegh Eiendom, represented by Line Røseth Karlsen, Head of Sustainability, who revealed that the achieved rate for circularity in the project was approximately 60% - still a massive achievement. The project demonstrated the feasibility of high circularity rates in building projects, despite challenges such as increased costs in some areas as well as logistical complexities. The collaboration underscores the need for business models that distribute risk as well as action and will from all stakeholders to embrace reuse in future projects.
The Oslo session continued in the afternoon with company pitches and speed dating sessions to find the best matches for potential pilots. The final chance for in-person matchmaking will take place in Copenhagen on May 15th, with a hybrid morning session focused on presentations and industry use cases. Sign up via this link to join us!
For more information on the Nordic Circularity Piloting Program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at melissa.kanerva@combient.com.