New partnerships: Hringrásarsetur Íslands and Circular Library Network
Circular economy is evolving fast but at its core are still practical initiatives that benefit our communities and the environment. Today, we are very happy to welcome two new circular economy initiatives hailing from Iceland, Hringrásarsetur Íslands and Circular Library Network, to the Nordic Circular Hotspot partnership programme.
Iceland is becoming more and more known for its rich innovation landscape, among this are also emerging exciting initiatives focused on circularity and sustainability. “Hringrásarsetur Íslands and the Circular Library Network have not only demonstrated the circular economy capability but also our commitment to innovating and implementing sustainable solutions,” says Anna De Matos, the Chair of the NGO Hringrásarsetur Íslands and the CEO and Founder of Circular Library Network.
Hringrásarsetur Íslands works to support the growth of circular economy in Iceland by supporting the goals of the United Nations and the Right to Repair movement. The organisation supports research, education and actions to grow together as a circular society by organising lectures, meetups and research initiatives that are shared with the public for people to learn from.
Simultaneously Anna De Matos is also spearheading the work of the Circular Library Network which has developed a self-checkout library system for items that is modular and scalable and can be placed in any library around the world. The library systems are built using local materials and second-hand electronics with a focus on being easy to use and access.
“The key to working with circularity, for me, lies in fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and persistently pursuing practical applications that benefit our community and environment. At NCH, I see a great opportunity to amplify this impact, bringing together like-minded individuals and resources to make circular economy principles a lived reality. It's about creating a future where circularity is not just envisioned but actively practised, ensuring a healthier planet for generations to come,” De Matos points out.
We are very glad to welcome these two exciting initiatives to the NCH. Welcome, Hringrásarsetur Íslands and Circular Library Network!
