From 1 to 5 February 2027, the seventh edition of the National Circular Economy Hackathon will take place. During this week, students from vocational education (MBO), universities of applied sciences (HBO) and research universities (WO) across the Netherlands will work together on one central challenge:
How do we design the future of beverage packaging: from consumer behaviour and collection systems to reuse?
Nationale finale 2026. Photo by Samuel Wagner, Samwhere Productions
The Dutch Soft Drinks, Waters and Juices Association (FWS) and Verpact are challenging students to develop new applications for materials from beverage cartons, bottle caps and other beverage packaging that do not yet fit within existing recovery streams. Although the Netherlands performs well in collecting and recycling packaging, some of these materials are still reused in low-value applications or are incinerated. The challenge therefore calls for technical, economic, societal and creative perspectives.
For the organisations involved, this presents a significant opportunity, says Robert Seegers, Director of FWS: “We want to use materials more intelligently from the very beginning: through reuse, new applications and better design.”
During the hackathon, students work in multidisciplinary teams to tackle the challenge. By bringing together different perspectives, FWS and Verpact hope the students generate innovative solutions that are both economically and socially relevant. The goal is not only to develop new ideas, but also to create concepts with the potential for further development. This could include ways to keep materials in use for longer, give them new functions, encourage behavioural change, develop new packaging designs or create innovative collection and deposit-return systems.
About the National Circular Economy Hackathon
The National Circular Economy Hackathon is an annual event in which students work in teams on current challenges related to the circular economy. Throughout the week, they develop their ideas with the support of workshops, inspiration sessions and guidance from lecturers and teachers. In 2026, more than 600 students took part.
The Hackathon aims to increase awareness among young people and show them the role they can play in the transition towards a circular economy. The event is organised by Het Groene Brein in collaboration with Hogeschool Zuyd, educational institutions and partners throughout the Netherlands, with support from the Lectorenplatform Circulaire Economie and the Ministerie van Infrastructuur en Waterstaat.
Join the Hackathon!
Vocational education institutions (MBO), universities of applied sciences (HBO) and research universities (WO) can participate in this edition with their students. Participants gain hands-on experience, collaborate with students from other institutions and disciplines, and contribute to solutions for a circular future.
Keep an eye on this website in the coming months for more information about the hackathon and this year’s challenge. Interested in participating? Please contact Dianne de Fijter at dianne.defijter@hetgroenebrein.nl.
Dianne de Fijter (Het Groene Brein), Elke de Roos (FWS), Lysanne van der Lem (Verpact), Emma van der Wal (Verpact). Fotografie: Samuel Wagner, Samwhere Productions