Norway Could Become Europe’s Key to Circular Raw Materials

–To achieve the green transition, we must secure critical raw materials while simultaneously decarbonizing, said Helene Fladmark, Managing Director of the Eyde Cluster. She pointed to the cluster’s mapping of material side streams and emphasized that Norway must step up efforts to utilize the resources that already exist.

Streaming of the debate (in Norwegian)

Arendalsuka | Sirkulære råmaterialer til Europa from Agderfk on Vimeo.

From Idea to Action

The story of the Eyde Cluster’s work began in 2016 with the project Waste to Value. Gro Eide from Elkem highlighted Elkem’s NOK 33 million funding from Innovation Norway for developing recycled low-emission products for the automotive and construction industries. She pointed out that industry is willing to invest when the solutions are proven to be realistic.

Martin Sveinssønn Melvær from Bellona spoke frankly:
-The problem is that everyone cheers for the circular economy, but very little is happening. We are impatient for action. The Eyde project finally shows action. We need political leadership. You must take the lead, he said, addressing State Secretary Kristoffer Hansen (Labour Party).

Political Will

State Secretary Kristoffer Hansen (Ap) stressed that the Eyde Cluster is an important partner in the government’s work:
-Let’s not exclude any resources before we even get started. We are working on a national plan for next year, and we want the Eyde Cluster to be involved in how we put this into practice.

Arne Thomassen (Conservative Party), County Mayor of Agder, followed up:
-The offer coming from the Eyde Cluster is something we simply must seize. We are close to Europe, and this is a gift placed right in our hands. We must claim the dedicated role we are meant to have, he said.

The Road Ahead

Helene Fladmark called for a strategic partnership and a lift from the national to the European level:
-We are already underway at the Nordic level, but we need the government’s help to take this further in Europe.

The event, held in collaboration with #vårtagder, brought together politicians, industry leaders, and environmental organizations. The consensus was clear: Norway has the resources, the expertise, and the network. What is needed now is action to secure a place in Europe’s circular raw materials strategy.