Background information

The Circular Business Awards (CBA), organized by the Verbond van Belgische Ondernemingen (VBO-FEB), aim to accelerate Belgium’s transition towards a sustainable economy. These awards highlight the importance of adopting circular business models to tackle pressing global challenges, such as resource scarcity, climate change, and waste management. Circular economy practices not only protect the environment but also enhance competitiveness by fostering innovation and reducing dependency on raw materials. Through the CBA, VBO emphasizes the role of businesses in aligning with its Vision 2030 to position Belgium as a global leader in circularity. By rewarding concrete, impactful initiatives, the awards aim to inspire other companies to adopt sustainable practices that drive systemic change.

Content of measure

The Circular Business Awards honor Belgian companies that have successfully implemented circular economy principles in their business models. Organized by the VBO in collaboration with partners like BECI, UWE, and VOKA, the awards are open to businesses of all sizes with operations in Belgium. A jury comprising scientists, journalists, and business representatives selects eight finalists whose projects exemplify sustainability, innovation, and economic feasibility. Winners are awarded Gold, Silver, or Bronze, and their achievements are featured in promotional videos aired on TV to inspire wider adoption of circular practices. The award has been organised for the 20th time in 2024.

The 2023–2024 edition included nominees like CIRCL NV, which develops modular, eco-friendly housing, and JUUNOO, offering reusable walls for construction. Others include Unilin, a leader in recycled-wood panels, and Orbix with Vandersanden, creators of CO2-negative bricks. These projects demonstrate the broad applicability of circular principles, from waste reduction to innovative product design. Winners were celebrated at the awards ceremony on March 14, 2024, in Brussels, underscoring the vital role of businesses in advancing sustainable economic practices.

Use of measure

The event has been organised for the 20th time in 2024 with many different companies having participated over time.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Applies to all businesses	Does not apply to citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
Employers' organisations	Employers organisation

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	No involvement	Agreed (outcome) incl. social partner initiative
Form	Not applicable	Direct consultation outside a formal body

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Only employers' organisations
• Main level of involvement: Company level

Involvement

The award is organised by EO VBO-FEB, other EO's are involved as well, namely: VOKA, UCM and Unizo.

Views and reactions

VBO-FEB is directly involved as the organiser.

Sources

• 24 January 2024: Circular Business Awards (circularbusinessawards.be)