Jorn Verbeeck

Through an extensive system of waste collection, sorting and recycling, Flanders has become a global leader in the field of waste treatment over the past thirty years. To accelerate the transition to a circular economy and a sustainable materials management, OVAM launched the public-private Flanders’ Materials Programme in 2012. The Programme combines ambitious long-term vision development, policy research and ambitious public-private actions in the field.

With a background in language & literature, Jorn first worked as a journalist. He then worked several years as a political advisor on local, federal and European level, in the last years as an expert in sustainable development, waste and materials. He moved to the Flemish Government in 2010, during the Belgian EU Presidency, with a focus on the EU’s resource efficiency flagship and raw materials initiative, and the United Nations Environment Panel. Together with Helen Versluys, Jorn now works as transition manager of the Flanders’ Materials Programme, which translates the EU’slong term strategy into a regional vision, research and public-private action plan that aims to achieve a systemic shift towards the circular economy and sustainable materials management. He is also board member of the EU Chapter of the Club of Rome.

More information: Flanders’ Materials Programme