How it started: from COFA to GAIA circular

A circular system begins with a (circular) design and continues after a completed cycle into the next, preserving products, components, and ultimately materials. A sober necessity for a healthy competitive (European) economy.

One of the most expensive aspects of circular production is reverse logistics, and without returning products, a circular economy simply cannot exist.

A costly process, often perceived as low quality by the market (after all: waste!) requires volume to make it economically viable. When Frans Beckers approached both waste management companies and transport companies in 2015 to set up the return logistics for work/safety shoes, work/safety clothing, and personal protective equipment, the response was always: 'too small for here, come back when the volumes are larger.' A chicken-and-egg situation that needed to be broken. Without volume, there is no viable return logistics and then no recycling, and without recycling, there is no attraction for return logistics. That is why Frans started the return logistics for the mentioned products in 2015 with COFA, as a precursor to GAIA circular. Just do it and start with what is already possible and feasible, and expand and improve step by step. At the start, around 25% of the volume had a reuse or recycling solution; over the years, this has risen to more than 75%. If the return logistics had not been established, the reuse and recycling solutions would not have emerged either.

In 2020, Marcel Franssen took over COFA and rebranded it to GAIA circular, allowing it to grow further, while Frans could focus on other aspects within a circular economy, such as circular design, remanufacturing, refurbishment, and recycling solutions, as well as the further development and growth of C_passport® from Cirmar.

The growth of GAIA circular in the European market continues, and the years 2027 and 2028 will be marked by the introduction of the UPV legislation in all EU countries. GAIA is preparing for this by establishing supporting branches in Germany, Austria, and Sweden. On January 1, 2028, GAIA circular will open its completely revamped sorting facility with warehouse in Gemert (NL), and in that same year, the recycling facility for the recycling of safety/work shoes and entrance mats in Merzig, Germany, will also be put into operation.