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Two4C

Program: Interreg VI Germany - NetherlandsDuration: July 2023 – December 2026Funding: €3.9 millionLead Partner: HWK - Handwerkskammer Münster

Project Details

The transition from a linear to a circular economy requires companies to take a different approach to products, materials, and production processes. Using products for longer, repairing them, reusing them, and recycling them helps keep raw materials in the cycle longer and reduces dependence on new raw materials. Through the Interreg VI project Two4C, Dutch and German companies, research institutions, and innovation partners are collaborating to accelerate the circular transition of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the border region.Two4C guides SMEs step by step in developing and implementing circular solutions. Entrepreneurs start with a Quick Scan, can participate in cross-border networking activities and a CIRCO Track, and can then carry out a circular implementation project together with a partner from the neighboring country. Vouchers are available for these projects. The maximum value of a voucher is €25,000 per project partner, with the entrepreneur covering at least 50% of the implementation costs themselves.<h2>Why is this important?</h2>The circular economy is playing an increasingly important role in the future of the European manufacturing industry. Companies are facing changing regulations, climate goals, and geopolitical developments, while at the same time the availability and affordability of raw materials are under pressure. Circular business practices offer opportunities to use materials more efficiently, extend the lifespan of products, and develop new sustainable revenue models.Many SMEs want to make the transition to circular business practices but are not yet sure how to implement that change in practice. Two4C therefore helps companies identify their circular opportunities and translate them into concrete products, processes, and business models. By connecting entrepreneurs from the Netherlands and Germany with one another and with independent experts, knowledge and best practices are shared across borders.In this way, Two4C not only contributes to more sustainable production processes and a more efficient use of raw materials, but the project also strengthens the innovative capacity and future competitive position of SMEs in the Dutch-German border region.<h2>Who is Two4C for?</h2>Two4C is aimed at:<ul><li data-list-item-id="e4f79c2baadf76d5f502d712bfc9eccd1">SMEs in the Dutch-German border region that want to make the transition from linear to circular business operations;</li><li data-list-item-id="e37f25f5f7c4787be74c0aebbc8c0d5a0">Dutch and German companies that wish to collaborate across borders on a circular project;</li><li data-list-item-id="e389b25bf6c6876246fed496681c99d33">companies in sectors such as electrical engineering, metal and machinery manufacturing, woodworking, the plastics industry, and the construction and finishing sectors;</li><li data-list-item-id="e5bd0bf450d4069b8b51a6e351f8fbb74">companies that see opportunities in areas such as extending product lifespans, repair, reuse, recycling, more efficient use of raw materials, or new circular business models.</li></ul><h2>What does Two4C offer?</h2>Two4C accelerates the transition to circular business practices and strengthens collaboration among companies in the Dutch-German border region.Among other things, the project is implementing:<ul><li data-list-item-id="e9410bcca6a024e5f67fb34a30b232a2b">approximately 40 cross-border collaboration projects aimed at making production processes more sustainable;</li><li data-list-item-id="e9eeb71f175b953389c798427837cbd76">a Quick Scan that provides approximately 500 entrepreneurs with insight into their options for transitioning to a circular economy;</li><li data-list-item-id="ef18a99140901f097a0de962339019990">new circular products, processes, and business models;</li><li data-list-item-id="ef45e9e3a8d21c760bffe68217e08a2db">cross-border knowledge exchange and collaboration between Dutch and German companies and experts;</li><li data-list-item-id="eb61d72bd7745fb51d7f016d2c6ffc800">support for entrepreneurs through Quick Scans, networking activities, CIRCO Tracks, and implementation projects.</li></ul>Added value for entrepreneurs:<ul><li data-list-item-id="edf652ce36f8fef09975d9634940441ae">insight into circular opportunities within their own businesses;</li><li data-list-item-id="e5bd82884c8fda11c7ca73add6c894e76">access to knowledge, expertise, and best practices in the field of circular business;</li><li data-list-item-id="e99a498c11c4fb1147e6618683c709547">new Dutch-German partnerships and business contacts;</li><li data-list-item-id="ea4bfe806669febbd2162d5dd784e20f0">guidance in developing a concrete circular strategy and actionable projects;</li><li data-list-item-id="ec84c81eec0bd559171288e07eee8ad1e">financial support via vouchers of up to €25,000 per project partner;</li><li data-list-item-id="e2caba3c2d6f2836991ed9f9633fd86e5">development of more sustainable products, production processes, and business models;</li><li data-list-item-id="e76626d2729e3c4b79dd2baa10ea46fe3">a stronger position in an economy where circularity and efficient use of raw materials are becoming increasingly important.</li></ul>

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The construction industry must become more sustainable: less CO₂, fewer fossil-based raw materials, and more circular solutions. That’s why BioPanel and the German company Lackomat are joining forces. With support from the European Two4C program, they are developing biobased panels in any desired color, with a guaranteed lifespan of at least twenty years. In doing so, they are turning a sound sustainable alternative into a fully-fledged building product.<blockquote>We have a material that offers enormous environmental benefits. With this project, we’re ensuring that it also meets all the aesthetic and technical requirements of the construction industry. Then, bio-based construction will no longer be an alternative, but a logical choice. </blockquote>- Fred van Schoonhoven, BioPanel

Real-World Example

<h2>Which partners are involved?</h2>Two4C is a cross-border collaboration between partners from the Netherlands and Germany. Together, they support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing and implementing circular solutions and connect entrepreneurs, research institutions, and experts from both countries. The Münster Chamber of Crafts is the lead partner of the project.Partners involved include:<ul><li data-list-item-id="e97dd41876b0d4765b5d75e5d12f8d310">Handwerkskammer Münster</li><li data-list-item-id="e7d3e71fa383fff8e91b516646712a17a">Grafschaft Bentheim District</li><li data-list-item-id="e6f75f9569fa668892e88e662207a03b6">Oost NL</li><li data-list-item-id="e32482061fde2ef54f6bccb0b1a6eb58d">Kiemt Foundation</li><li data-list-item-id="ef3e0474774524ec489216a6f66b3ce5e">Saxion University of Applied Sciences</li><li data-list-item-id="e679f9bfbf1bb3a60a47e4dfc3a5280d7">various other Dutch and German partners.</li></ul><h2>Interested in the project?</h2>Two4C helps entrepreneurs turn circular ambitions into concrete actions. Through the Quick Scan, networking activities, CIRCO Tracks, and cross-border implementation projects, companies gain insight into their opportunities, access to knowledge and collaboration partners, and support in realizing circular innovations.Would you like to know what opportunities Two4C offers your business, are you looking for a German collaboration partner, or would you like to implement a circular project with financial support? Please contact Erik Plaggenmarsch or Annette Schumer.Contacts:Erik Plaggenmarsch Circular Economy Project Manager, Oost NL +31 (0)6 18 73 78 05 <a href="mailto:erik.plaggenmarsch@oostnl.nl">erik.plaggenmarsch@oostnl.nl</a>Annette Schumer Circular Economy Project Manager, Oost NL +31 6 48 41 96 94 <a href="mailto:annette.schumer@oostnl.nl">annette.schumer@oostnl.nl</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/Two4_C_logo_extra_marge_cc8879fda8.jpg?token=lMcuieT00h_APa9ou6kxf9tI0m8K6ZzrZKxPEoFHF6Y&amp;expires=1787063352" alt="Two4C logo extra marge.jpg" srcset="https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/thumbnail_Two4_C_logo_extra_marge_cc8879fda8.jpg?token=UFRR-3y7mqfoc7mNyu3swxXDns2wnavR4lMgKRAUGqM&amp;expires=1787063352 245w, https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/small_Two4_C_logo_extra_marge_cc8879fda8.jpg?token=59L8Z3lqJEFCUkKl9gYbFgn4cH2HBFh0yzp9bF6LCGo&amp;expires=1787063352 500w, https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/medium_Two4_C_logo_extra_marge_cc8879fda8.jpg?token=USlz0gDcXfXLi__ab4_2GTY51VUqNSImHvsdu_xT6DY&amp;expires=1787063352 750w, https://cms.thinkeast.nl/uploads/large_Two4_C_logo_extra_marge_cc8879fda8.jpg?token=24M7pDc3uCBJ1OpQsd98d7qL0Vcdf-xnIAk_yhybmjs&amp;expires=1787063352 1000w" sizes="100vw" width="1000"></figure>

The circular economy is a top priority on Europe’s political agenda. More and more companies are facing the challenge of extending the lifespan of their products. Changing regulations, climate pressures, and the geopolitical situation are key factors in this regard. Measures such as repair and recycling play a crucial role here, as they aim to keep natural resources in the cycle for longer. The European project Two4C is therefore strongly committed to accelerating circularity. This project supports companies in the Euregio in their transition to a circular economy.&nbsp;