Calling business partners to increase Norwegian circularity

Circular business models have been identified as the most important strategic pillar for a sustainable future, hence the figures are monitored closely.

Norway’s first Circularity Gap Report (2020) revealed a low circularity metric of just 2.4%, which dropped to 2% when recalculated with an improved methodology. As the updated figures were released yesterday, this measure remains unchanged.

You can downlaod The Circularity Gap Report Norway 2025 here. 

Also check out a feasibility study done on Mongstad, one of the industrial sites getting ready for large scale industrial activity. 

Increased material footprint

An explanation is a change in the material sourcing. In 2018, 69% of materials were imported and 31% sourced domestically, but by 2022, imports accounted for 77%, with only 23% originating within Norway, states the report.

In the same period Norway’s material footprint grew from 197 million tonnes to 208 million tonnes—a 6% increase. Much of this was driven by increased consumption in sectors of final demand like nutrition and manufactured goods, though certain areas, such as housing and infrastructure, showed promising reductions.

Norway’s housing and infrastructure remains a major driver of material use and emissions. While the sector has a significant material footprint and relies heavily on virgin materials, consumption has decreased from 69 million tonnes in 2018 to 64 million tonnes in 2022. However, this level of material use continues to drive a substantial carbon footprint of 20 million tonnes of CO2e, remaining unchanged since 2018.

With a high GDP per capita, Norway is a prosperous nation. However, this comes with a significant environmental cost. As a signficant oil and gas producer, the numbers accounted by fossil fuels are important. I the four year peiode, fossil fuels combusted for energy decreased from 18% to 14% of the total material inputs. This is a signal of the changes caused by the energy transition

Plural national strategies

Norway is navigating its circular transition within a framework of ambitious strategies, forward[1]looking policies, and a growing body of research. In 2021, the National Strategy for a Green, Circular Economy was launched, in 2021,1 the Action Plan for a Circular Economy 2 in 2024, and, in February 2025, a national mission for the circular economy. Despite this, the circularity key figures in total didn’t improve.

The Norwegian minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland-Eriksen is working towards increased circularity through various national strategies. Photo: NTB. 

- We need to stop the waste of resources, stated the The minister of Climate and Environment Andreas Bjelland – Eriksen as the report was published.  

Vestland is poised for circularity

In a regional masterplan, Vestland county has identified circular business models as strategic tools to advancing sustainability and driving positive change.

Today, the industries in Vestland fylkeskommune contribute significantly to Norwegian export. However, their activity also creates a large chunk of Norwegian emissions. The project Grøn region Vestland’s platform Vestlandsporteføljen 2.0 has developed a plan for transforming the region – secure future growth but reduce emissions. 19 strategically defined hubs across the region serve as focal points for green transformation, enabling the establishment of new value chains throughout the county each with the potential to generate 17,000 new jobs, boost exports, and reduce emissions.

Bergen is the gateway to several industrial sites in Vestland region that is preparing for circular business models. Photo: Charlotte Hartvigsen Lem.

Can your business contribute to the future value creation, and want to know more about what is going on in the hubs? Don’t hesitate to contact any of our advisors.