PRACTICAL CIRCULAR ECONOMY
& BIOMIMICRY PROJECTS

BY BAS HILLERSTRÖM

APPROACH

The last few years we’ve experienced that our current economic system and way of thinking is outdated and decremental to the natural world and our basic human needs.

Ex Natura focuses on devising and implementing practical, nature-based solutions, where three key components always play a central role.

PROJECTS & EXPERIENCE

'Several trips to Sri Lanka in order to explore opportunities – and educate a local partner to roll out the Circo Circular Design Methodology in Sri Lanka.'

'Mission to Poland to explore opportunities with a local partner to roll out the Circo Circular Design Methodology in Poland.'

'Personally trained over 60 companies during several three day Circo workshops.'

'While working for Critical Minds, I took on the roll as project manager for the project "Welzorg Circular". This project was aimed at implementing new circular processes like; parts recovery, refurbishment, remanufacturing. Achieved results; approx. 50% reduction in new spare part purchasing costs, 20% increase in product redistribution, 75% waste reduction.'

Circo Sector coordinator (Project Management)

'Business development activities for the Circo Program. Responsible for the goal of enrolling one thousand manufacturing companies in our Circo workshops before the end of 2023. Helping them get started with the basis of Circular Entrepreneurship.'

Tilburg University & Hogeschool Rotterdam (Education & Storytelling)

'Hosting several guest lectures on Circular Economy and Circular Entrepreneurship.'

ABOUT ME

Curiosity is what drives me. It has taken me around the world, where different cultures opened up new ways of thinking and gave me different, refreshing, perspectives. Central to this curiosity is my love for people and nature.

The pollution I encountered during my travels, motivated me to head in the direction of ‘’sustainability’’ and more specifically Circular Economy and biomimicry. The idea of using 3.8 billion years of R&D and mimicking successful natural models like the one used in Circular economy, an economy where there is no waste and where everything is cyclical, just made sense.

In nature you’ll find a lot of things that are complex and simple at the same time. In my work I use the same approach and combine creativity and common sense to come up with ‘’simple’’ solutions to seemingly complex situations. In these solutions’ feasibility is the most important aspect. No execution, no change, no gratification.

I guess that, in the end, I just enjoy paying my little contribution to a more sustainable and more social future where nature and people come before money.