Martin Snijder, Circular Economy Orchestrator at EIT Climate-KIC: “The : radiates circularity in every aspect, as do Niaga®’s core activities. The : is under development and managed by an experienced and convincing team. The jury hopes the minimum transparency level of the Niaga® : will become the standard in Europe.” 

Winning the prestigious prize is the recognition of the Niaga® : as a key enabler for circularity and underlines the importance of material stewardship, transparency and traceability in achieving a truly circular economy. Lynette Chung, Chief Sustainability Officer at Covestro: “In order to achieve a fully circular economy, we need to connect stakeholders and transport knowledge along the value chain, and support consumer trust and demand for more sustainable product offerings. It’s why we’re particularly proud of our innovation venture’s : being recognized as a key enabler for a no-waste, circular economy. The : provides essential infrastructure for a sustainable future and is a viable solution that also protects users’ IP sensitive information.”

Sascha Bloemhoff adds: “It is our mission to design out waste. Our key learning in our journey has been that to make return, and with it, reuse, repair, refurbishment, and recycling possible we need the full disclosure of a product’s ingredient, material, and component information. Moving from theory to practice, pointed us in the direction of our universal and interoperable product passport. Because our : revolves around ingredient transparency – not just traceability – it’s a solution that helps to put valuable materials centre stage. Because in a true circular economy what is a polyester sweater today, could become a car seat tomorrow and a mattress in the future.”