Kouvola Innovation in Finland develops new expertise, brings players together and builds networks that implement circular economy solutions. Support for the creation of industrial symbiosis, data collection, and workshops.

This type of material audit is a practical tool for companies to improve the efficiency of their operations and manage their material flows better. The audit is a systematic evaluation of material flows in production, tracing direct and indirect costs, and identifying areas where improvements could be made. The audit results in a list of measures and calculations illustrating where efficiency gains can lead to cost-savings and increased profitability.

Energy auditing is a good method to improve energy use and, through it, make important cost savings. By improving energy effiency the burden on the environment decreases. This audit model is developed for industrial SMEs to lower the threshold for auditing. The model is cost-efficient for the clients and for the energy auditors. The model has two-steps:

Companies that have joined the voluntary energy efficiency agreement scheme for the technology, food and drink, chemicals, and hotel and restaurant sectors can also obtain individual energy efficiency advice. The support for companies is provided by Motiva, Finland and it is funded by the relevant industry associations jointly with the Ministry of Employment and the Economy. 

The Environmental Economic Benchmarking Database (Ökobench) offers a tried-and-tested resource-efficiency benchmarking tool, developed with SME needs firmly in mind. They can identify good practices and processes by comparing their economic and environmental efficiency performance with benchmarks in their industry. 

Using this simple MS Excel-based tool, companies can calculate their ventilation heat losses and the benefits and savings of implementing a heat-recovery system.

On-line database of successful resource efficiency projects carried out in manufacturing companies in Germany. It enables user to filter the best practices according to the region, industry branch, resources (energy, water, materials) and areas (production process, product design, monitoring, financing, etc.).

For each project, a description of initial situation is provided followed by resource efficiency measures identified, achived savings and a way of financing.

VOC (volatile organic compounds) solvents are used in the manufacturing industry in a wide range of applications. The European-VOC Directive (1999/13 / EC of the Council of 11 March 1999) has brought about substantial changes in the use and application of organic solvents.

The Effizienz-Agentur of North Rhine-Westphalia (EFA NRW) provides advice on resource-efficient business practices in the areas of production, product design, maintenance, cost accounting, CO2 balancing and the value chain.

CSR Netherlands is the Centre of Excellence for Dutch companies striving towards corporate social responsibility. More than 2 000 companies are affiliated with this networking organisation. CSR Netherlands offers general support to the Dutch business community, partner organisations and embassies. It supports partners by facilitating networks and transition programmes, and by developing products and tools including circular economy concepts, among others.