Draka, Harwig and Technische Unie welcome industry leaders to the first “Duurzaam Verbinden” event boosting regional sustainability and circularity in the region
Emmen, Netherlands – November 6, 2024 – Last week Draka, Harwig and Technische Unie (TU) welcomed more than 30 guests inviting industry leaders, local officials, and sustainability advocates from the northern Netherlands region and specifically Emmen to the first Duurzaam Verbinden event. It was held at the Prysmian/Draka “Connect” Experience Center. The event, which focused on practical approaches to sustainability and circularity in the construction sector, provided a platform to discuss regional challenges and promote collaboration between the parties involved.
Building partnerships for a sustainable future
With participation from companies and organizations including NHL Stenden, DCTerra, Volker Wessels, Greenwise Campus, VEPA and CircoElektra, the event aimed to share best practices and to build actionable strategies for a more sustainable and circular economy in the region. Topics ranged from material reuse and circular design to innovations in sustainable cabling, reflecting the interconnected challenges that sectors face in reducing their environmental impact.
Key sessions included a presentation by Toine Verschuur from Draka (cable manufacturer), who shared insights on development of sustainable cabling and the potential for new materials to reduce emissions. Olaf Oosting from Valstar Simonis (consultancy) addressed sustainability challenges unique to the installation sector, while Marco Pastoor of CircoElektra highlighted the importance of creating closed-loop supply chains to minimize waste.
Panel discussion: turning concepts into action
A central element of the event was a panel discussion moderated by Olaf Oosting, which brought together voices from across the industry, including Ariane van Dijk from Technische Unie, Toine Verschuur from Draka, Wout van Vilsteren from Volker Wessels and Maureen Nederhoed from Harwig. Together, they explored how collaboration can turn circular principles into tangible results, from design to end-of-life solutions. The discussion underscored the need for alignment across the supply chain to make circularity viable and effective.
As one speaker commented:
“This event creates a valuable space for us to learn from each other and find practical ways to embed circularity in our operations. It’s encouraging to see so many partners ready to take this journey together.”
Strengthening commitment to a sustainable Emmen
The event also highlighted the region’s commitment to sustainability, with Pascal Schrik, Alderman at Gemeente Emmen, voicing his support for the initiative. Mr. Schrik emphasized that sustainable development is not only beneficial for the environment but is also essential for building a resilient local economy.
In addition to the presentations and discussions, the event provided opportunities for networking, enabling participants to strengthen partnerships that can drive future projects across Emmen and beyond
A symbol of collaboration and connection
To conclude the event, Yvonne Steeds, Marketing Director at Prysmian/Draka, joined the Alderman on stage for a symbolic gesture of unity. In front of the gathered guests, they connected two sections of a cable, symbolizing the establishment of a lasting connection of the participants to strengthen sustainable practices in the region. This symbolic connection underscored the event’s message: that progress toward a circular economy depends on the strength of the partnerships formed.
As Yvonne Steeds said:
“The Duurzaam Verbinden event represents Draka, Harwig, Greenwise Campus and Technische Unie’s commitment to advancing sustainability through collaboration and innovation throughout the whole chain. We are happy to see many participants who are truly interested in reinforcing the region’s drive toward a circular economy and a sustainable future”.
