Amsterdam, October 18th 2019 

Today, the Dutch Minister of Environment Stientje van Veldhoven launched the Green Deal ‘Circular Festivals’ during ADE Green. The Green Deal is an initiative of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management and Green Events International. The participating festivals collectively committed to sharing knowledge and developing circular solutions for the international event industry.

The participating festivals are Amsterdam Open Air, Best Kept Secret, Boardmasters, Body & Soul, Boomtown, Down the Rabbit Hole, DGTL, Eurosonic-Noorderslag, Into the Great Wide Open, Lollapalooza Berlin, Lowlands, Mañana Mañana, Milkshake, North Sea Jazz, Roskilde, Shambala, Vierdaagse Feesten, We Love Green and Zwarte Cross.

Circular in 2025

The festival organizers collectively want to set the standard for sustainability in the event industry. They strive for circularity in 2025, by developing solutions that can be put into practice by other festivals worldwide. The Green Deal is unique; it is the first time that this many international leaders are joining forces for such a cause.

Today, the Dutch Minister of Environment Stientje van Veldhoven stated:

“ We have to stop wasting our resources and focus on circularity. We must reuse materials and turn them into new products. For our planet, for a healthy future. Circularity is our way forward! So, let’s coordinate our efforts, share what we learn and make a difference together.” Paul Schurink of Green Events International adds: “Collaboration is the key to the urgently needed change in how we deal with energy, water, food, mobility, plastic and other materials. And with a combined number of over three million festival visitors we can make an enormous impact.”

ADE Green

The decor for the kick-off was ADE Green; the sub-conference of Amsterdam Dance Event. ADE Green started seven years ago with a small group of international pioneers. Meanwhile ADE Green has grown into the conference where the international industry yearly comes together, to inspire and develop new initiatives regarding sustainability, social change and innovation.