The Dutch economy is 18,5 percent sustainable. This is evident from the sixth edition of the New Economy Index (NEx), an annual study by MVO Nederland. Although the index has increased by 1,0 percentage point compared to 2024, the increase has leveled off over the past six years. According to Ankie van Wersch, director-manager of MVO Nederland, a breakthrough in the circular economy and biodiversity is still lacking because legislation still protects the interests of traditional companies. “Sustainable companies that promote nature and society are kept small and are not seen as serious players,” says Van Wersch. She calls on the government to pay more attention to the opportunities that green entrepreneurs offer.
The NEx score is determined by seven themes: new wealth, real prices, transparent chains, inclusive entrepreneurship, green energy, biodiversity and circular economy. Since the first measurement in 2020, when the index was at 12,1 percent, there has been steady growth. However, the increase is decreasing every year.
Biodiversity offers economic opportunities
An important factor in the stagnation of the NEx is the deterioration of the freshwater quality and the increasing nitrogen surplus. This has a negative impact on biodiversity. “Investing in nature pays off, but politicians do not sufficiently see the economic opportunities of biodiversity,” says Van Wersch. MVO Nederland advocates a more targeted policy to utilise these opportunities.
Circular economy lacks scale
The circular economy has been stuck at around 13 to 14 percent for the sixth year in a row. Using new raw materials is still cheaper than reusing them, making it difficult to scale up the circular economy. Recycling companies are suffering the consequences and are finding it difficult to compete with new plastic from China. To achieve a 2030 percent circular economy by 50, circular entrepreneurship must become the most attractive option. This requires targeted policies that support sustainable initiatives.
Legislation as a driver and an obstacle
A positive development is the increase of transparent chains by 3,7 percentage points. Companies are increasingly reporting on their supply chains, partly due to the introduction of the CSRD and CSDDD legislation. “This legislation forces companies to operate more transparently, and that is now bearing fruit,” says Van Wersch.
At the same time, existing legislation is hampering the rise of sustainable businesses. The government should listen more to entrepreneurs who demonstrate that sustainability and business success can go hand in hand. These companies know exactly which policy measures are needed to scale up sustainable business models. The budget statement offers an excellent opportunity to implement policies that will actually help the new economy move forward.
The NEx 2025 shows that new wealth is at 8,7 percent, real prices at 15 percent and transparent chains at 16,7 percent. Inclusive entrepreneurship remains the strongest theme at 39,5 percent, while green energy reaches 13,7 percent. Biodiversity is valued at 22,2 percent and the circular economy remains stuck at 14 percent.
More information about the research and concrete steps for companies can be found on the MVO Nederland website.
