Two4C

The TWO4C project (Transition towards a Circular Cross-border Economy) supports SMEs in making a successful transition from a linear to a circular economy.
The focus lies on sustainable transformation of the manufacturing sector in the Dutch–German border region by initiating and implementing cross-border measures.

Changing regulations, environmental pressures, and geopolitical developments increasingly require companies to extend product life cycles through repair, reuse, and recycling.
Before the start of TWO4C, a feasibility study showed that while SMEs are interested in circular business models, many lack practical knowledge and support to implement them.

TWO4C helps SMEs by involving them in a cross-border exchange with experts from business and academia, sharing best practices and strengthening innovation capacity in the programme area. The program is supported by Interreg VI Germany–Netherlands Programme.

Target Group

• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing and processing industries
• Particularly from the sectors: wood, construction & interior design, metal & mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and plastics
• Companies located in the Euregio Germany–Netherlands programme area:
• Netherlands: Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, Flevoland, Overijssel, Gelderland
• Germany: Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen
• SMEs that wish to adopt circular economy approaches but need guidance or partners

Useful to Know

• Total duration: 2023 – 2026
• Total budget: €3.9 million
• Objective: Support the transition of SMEs in the manufacturing sector toward circular business models
• Planned impact: 500 entrepreneurs in the border region will complete a Quick Scan to assess the region’s progress towards circularity

Project Financing

• Total funding available: €3.9 million
• Open project fund: €1.5 million to support 40 cross-border cooperation projects improving the sustainability of production processes
• Maximum grant amount: €25,000 per project partner
• Co-financing rate: 50% (SMEs contribute 50% of project costs)
• Eligible costs:
  • External services, materials, or machinery
  • Internal labour costs
• Main conditions:
  • Applicant must be an SME based in the programme area
  • Each project must include one German and one Dutch partner
  • Project must be completed by December 2026

Funding bodies:
European Union, MWIKE NRW, Ministry of Federal and European Affairs and Regional Development of Lower Saxony,
Ministry of Economic Affairs (NL), and the Provinces of Fryslân, Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Flevoland, and Gelderland.

How to Apply

• No existing partner is required before application — TWO4C helps match German and Dutch companies.
• Ensure your company qualifies as an SME (you can use the SME Test (PDF) provided by the programme).
• Applications should be done until April 2026 to finish the project until December 2026. 
• Secure funding for your circular projects and reach out to: Erik Plaggenmarsch (erik.plaggenmarsch@oostnl) or Kim-Oliver Hellmers (kim-oliver.hellmers@hwk-muenster.de)