The Amsterdam metropolitan region faces a major spatial challenge. New housing, the energy transition, green infrastructure, and economic activity are all competing for scarce urban land. At the same time, the city aims to become fully circular by 2050. That immediately raises spatial questions: which circular functions are needed, how much space each requires, and where they should be located? These questions were central to the study Amsterdam Makes Space for the Circular Economy, conducted for the City of Amsterdam by Posad Maxwan and Structural Collective.
From material flows to spatial scenarios
The study follows a three-step methodology:
- analysis of material flows and environmental impact;
- translation into spatial typologies and functional requirements; and
- spatial scenarios for urban integration.
Seven opportunities were analysed across three supply chains: the built environment, consumer goods, and food systems. Material flows range from construction & demolition waste to textiles, electronics, tools, food residues, and bio-organic processing.
These flows translate into spatial typologies at five scales (from XS to XL): ranging from neighbourhood collection points and repair facilities to regional hubs with multimodal access (road, rail, and waterways). This has clear logistics implications: collection near residents, processing on business parks, buffering at the urban fringe, and bulk flows via regional nodes.
A logistics infrastructure in its own right
What makes this study valuable for logistics professionals is the explicit link between circular ambitions and logistics space. Two scenarios are explored: strategic expansion (adding new collection and processing capacity) versus better utilisation (combining functions at retailers, recyclers, or social facilities).
The core message: the circular economy is not a “side activity” but requires its own logistics infrastructure — including collection, sorting, repair, refurbishment, storage, energy systems, and often higher environmental zoning. Many functions are better suited to industrial estates than to residential neighbourhoods. The report warns that industrial land should not be casually converted to housing or leisure use, as replacement capacity is scarce.
From vision to implementation
Where many circular studies remain abstract, this one delivers a real chain perspective: processes, volumes, and spatial implications. It sets a higher bar for policy and industry dialogue. The next step will require prioritisation, clear governance, KPIs, and viable business models. Repair, refurbishment, sorting, and hubs will need CAPEX/OPEX insight and connection to logistics and energy planning.
For logistics, the message is clear: circularity will not be a niche, but a structural, spatial, and logistics agenda. Cities that seek circularity must reserve space, connect chain actors, and treat circular logistics as a basic urban function; not an afterthought.
Walther Ploos van Amstel
Also read: Spatial planning: making room for the circular economy