How can retailers tempt young people to make circular choices?
By 2050, the Dutch economy must be fully circular. This means that products and raw materials will remain in use as long as possible, without wasting valuable materials. The economy is not yet set up for this. Figures repeatedly show that consumers are buying more products instead of fewer (cbs) and that discarded items are piling up in cycles and waste processors.
The NHCE 2025 case
The National Hackathon Circular Economy 2025 brings together students to find solutions for a key challenge: how can retailers make circular consumption goods attractive to young people?
Webshop Bol.com and thrift store Het Goed want to understand why young people often choose new products and what is holding them back from embracing circular alternatives. Research shows that influencers and the price are important factors in product choices, but what are deeper motivations and barriers? What can make young people more likely to choose more sustainable options, such as second-hand, repaired or rented products?
In this hackathon, students work on creative, concrete solutions that appeal to young people. What are the circular models that work for you? How can retailers such as Bol.com and Het Goed encourage you to choose for sustainability? And what practical solutions can we come up with to remove barriers and make circular consumer goods more attractive to a new generation?
What are circular consumer goods?
Consumer goods are all products that consumers use every day, such as electronics, clothing or household appliances.
In a circular economy, we try to reuse or repair as much as possible, instead of buying new stuff every time. Once a product really has to be replaced, the raw materials are reused.
During the hackathon, you will explore how to get young people excited about circular options such as second-hand, repaired products, or renting and borrowing goods.
Why is this important?
To reduce the environmental impact of new consumer goods we have to make the transition to circular models. We want to extend the life cycle of products and reduce the stream of new products. This requires understanding of the barriers and opportunities that young people see in making circular choices.
Join us!
For students
Sign up individually via this form or via the button below. We will classify you with other students. (Registration is available till Jan. 17th)
Is your educational institution involved in the LCT program? Then you can sign up through your instructor. Ask, or send us an email (dianne.defijter@hetgroenebrein.nl). We're happy to connect you with the right person.
For educators & educational institutions
Get involved! Become one of the hosts of the NHCE 2025 from your educational institution! Anyone can participate in a way that suits you. Sign up for example with (a group of students from) a minor, course, living lab, graduate students or another group of students.
Would you like to participate with your educational institution? Please contact Dianne de Fijter, programme manager LCT via dianne.defijter@hetgroenebrein.nl.
What does a Hackathon-week look like?
Monday
- Kick-off (online)
- Getting to know your companions
- Brainstorming
Tuesday
- Workshops
- Working in your group
- Ask your question to an expert
Wednesday
- Workshops
- Working in your group
Thursday
- Practicing your pitch
- Regional finales
Friday
- Grande finale @ location