National Hackathon Circular Economy 2026: How can we make events zero waste?
From 2 to 6 February, students across the Netherlands team up to tackle circular challenges
This year's case
By 2050, the Dutch economy must be fully circular. This means that products and raw materials are reused for as long as possible, without wasting valuable resources. But we’re not there yet. Events continue to generate massive amounts of waste – from single-use cups and packaging to decorations that are thrown out after just one day. The National Circular Economy Hackathon challenges students to develop innovative solutions to make events zero waste. How can event organizers design sustainable, future-proof events? The next edition of the National Hackathon Circular Economy will take place from February 2 to 6, 2026.
Rethinking waste at events
In the 2026 edition of the National Hackathon Circular Economy, students take on a major challenge: how can we make events zero waste?
Festivals, sports matches, and conferences still generate enormous amounts of waste: from single-use plastics and food packaging to leftover materials that often end up in the trash. The event industry is still far from circular.
This year’s case holder, waste and recycling company PreZero, invites students to think beyond the bin.
- What does a zero-waste event actually look like?
- What behaviors, systems, or incentives can drastically reduce waste before, during, and after an event?
- How do we get visitors, organizers, and suppliers on board?
During the hackathon, students from across the country work on creative, practical concepts, from reusable systems and circular logistics to smart incentives and digital tools.
What would make you change your behavior at an event? How can we make waste reduction part of the experience fun, easy, and impossible to ignore? This generation has the power to turn waste into value.
Are you ready to design the future of zero-waste events?
Programme & schedule
The programme is still being finalized, but you can view the current version below.
MONDAY
February 2nd
9:30 | Mini-introduction: Circular Economy (in Dutch)
What is a circular economy? Why is it needed? And how can we shift to a circular economy, instead of a linear one? Gerjan de Ruiter, lecturer Circular Economy at Yuverta, tells you all about it. Together, we dive into themes such as the R-ladder and Value Hill.
10:00 | Get to know your team
10:30 | Kick-off
- Welcome by Team Hackathon 2026 | Daniëlle Twardy & Dianne de Fijter
Kick-off the hackathon with a warm welcome from Daniëlle Twardy (Special Lectrurer Creative & Circular Entrepreneurship, Zuyd UofAS) and Dianne de Fijter (Organizer of the Hackathon, Het Groene Brein). They will introduce the programme, outline the ambition of the hackathon, and set the tone for a week of creative, circular solutions for events.
- Opening by Sari Nijssen
Sari Nijssen, Policy Advisor on Behaviour and Education for a Circular Economy at Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management, officially opens the hackathon. - Introduction of the challenge: “How do we make events Zero Waste?” - PreZero Nederland
Get to the heart of the hackathon challenge with Elsbeth van der Linde (Chief Technology Officer / Director Processing) and Freddy Pelders, (Business Development Manager Innovation).
short break - Inspirational talk: The potential of festivals as drivers of a circular and climate-positive society
Get inspired by Tijl Couzij, Sustainability and Innovation Lead at Lab Vlieland and one of the driving forces behind Into The Great Wide Open, the iconic festival on the Dutch Wadden Island of Vlieland. Tijl will share his insights on how festivals can act as catalysts for circular and climate-positive change.
11:45 | Workshop: Design Thinking
Join Design Thinking expert Guido Stompff from Inholland University of Applied Sciences as we explore the vision of creating a circular, zero-waste event. Through an interactive session, you'll discover how to break free from conventional thinking and generate innovative ideas!
13:30 | Deep Dive Green Events: Sustainability ladder
Gerd-Jan Frijters, founder of Greenhouse Monkeys, shares his extensive experience with sustainable events and working towards zero waste. He will introduce the Sustainability Ladder for Events (DLE) and demonstrate how this practical tool can support teams in tackling the challenge of making events truly zero waste.
16.30 | Optional Check-out
Ask a question or just check in with the NHCE team.
17:00 | Handing in Canvas I
TUESDAY
February 3rd
9:00 | Inspiration session: Revolution Academy
Since 2012, Revolution Academy has been leading the way in creating more sustainable events. Join Timon Dijkstra, general manager, as he shares insights into their innovative approach. Get inspired by his story and about circular events in practice!
9:30 | Workshop: Behavioural Change & Insights Research Lowlands
What drives circular behavioral change? Carlijn Kappers and Danique Bredenoort (both Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences) share key insights from their research conducted at Lowlands.
11.45 | Inspiration session: How do we get Carnaval Zero Waste?
In collaboration with Geert Kastelijn (Avans) and Carel Rademakers and Mieke Olde Engberink (municipality of Den Bosch) (in Dutch)
16.30 | Optional Check-out
Ask a question or just check in with the NHCE team.
17:00 | Handing in Canvas II
WEDNESDAY
February 4th
9:00 | Inspiration session: The Good Roll
The Good Roll: creators of 100% European recycled and bamboo toilet paper. Co-founder Melle Schellekens shares their mission and story, going beyond the roles; it's about impact, creativity and the coolest changes. Whether it's sustainability, entrepreneurial challenges or leadership, Melle is ready for an interesting conversation.
9:45 | Deep Dive: Verpact
Verpact collectively manages the collection, reuse, and recycling of packaging materials in the Netherlands, assumes the legal producer responsibility on behalf of companies, and reports annually to the government to ensure recycling targets are met. Marcel Keuenhof (Packaging Advisor) and Emma van der Wal (both KIDV / Verpact) will guide you through this in practice: explore real-life examples, current legislation, and learn how to apply these insights to create zero-waste and circular events.
10.45 Deep Dive Food & Foodwaste
In this session, Guusje van Tienhoven (GreenDish) takes students on a journey through the world of food and food waste. You’ll gain a better picture of where food is wasted. Along the way, she highlights both best practices and the key challenges in building a more sustainable food system.
11.30 Workshop: Pitchen (NL)!
By Danielle Twardy (Bijzonder Lector Creatief & Circulair ondernemen Hogeschool Zuyd) (In Dutch)
12.00 Workshop: Pitch! (In English)
by Danielle Twardy (Bijzonder Lector Creatief & Circulair ondernemen Hogeschool Zuyd)
16.30 | Optional Check-out
Ask a question or just check in with the NHCE team.
17:00 | Handing in canvas III
THURSDAY
February 5th
9:00 | Make & finalise your pitch!
11:00 | Workshop: Agency
What role do you play in driving the circular transition? And what actions can you take after the Hackathon ends? We discuss this with Elena Lomeli Aguirre from Avans University of Applied Sciences. As a researcher, activist, innovator, and a unique blend of realist and idealist, Elena will guide you through the path forward.
11:30 | Practice your pitch
13:00 - 17:00 | Regional finals
Present your solutions to the challenges in front of an esteemed jury. Each region will crown a winner, and these regional champions will advance to compete in the national finals on Friday! All the necessary information will be provided to you via your teachers.
FRIDAY
February 6th
13:00 - 16.30 | Grande Finale at Jaarbeurs Utrecht
In the Grande Finale, Thursday's regional winners will present their innovative ideas. A distinguished jury, featuring leading scientists, sustainability experts, and representatives from case partner PreZero, will evaluate these solutions and crown the winner of the National Hackathon Circular Economy 2026!
Waste in a circular economy
In a circular economy, we try to prevent waste as much as possible by reusing, repairing, recycling, rethinking or eliminating the need for single-use items. The goal is to keep materials in use for as long as possible, and to design systems where "waste" doesn’t even exist.
Why is this important?
Events often generate large amounts of waste in a short time, from single-use packaging to leftover food and materials. By making events zero waste, we reduce pressure on natural resources, lower CO₂ emissions, and prevent valuable materials from being lost. It’s a crucial step toward a more sustainable, circular future.
Ready to take part?
Sign up now to join this year’s hackathon and work on innovative solutions for a circular future!