The northern town of Wiltz is not an easy place to reach by car. Even with the route du Nord fully open, upon reaching Ettelbruck, motorists face a further 30 minutes through the Ardennes, along winding country roads crossing fields and forests. The journey is stunning in spring but perilous during Luxembourg’s snowy winters.
“We are at a disadvantage compared to other towns which attract more companies than Wiltz because of the road network,” town councillor Pierre Koppes explains.
Wiltz has found other ways to set itself apart, however, notably in a raft of pioneering projects as a circular economy hotspot.
“We thought, here’s an opportunity to position ourselves next to other towns,” says Koppes, who responsible for the project at the council.
The journey began in the Salzbaach industrial zone around 18 months ago. Circular economy principles have been practised by resident flooring firm Tarkett, among others, for several decades.
These firms began working with other industrial zone tenants to collaborate on things like buying energy, training and identifying common projects. “This was the birth of the idea that industry in Salzbaach could work together,” says Luxinnovation manager Marcel Klesen, who is today supporting Wiltz in the venture.
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