Turning Circular Innovation into Scalable Urban Solutions

At the launch of our member DESPACE 镝空间's collaboration with Hopson Development Holdings Limited, we underlined two simple facts: 

🔹 The Netherlands is among the top 5 most innovative economies globally and a leader in circular economy policy. 

🔹 China is the world’s largest investor in sustainability, especially when it comes to green technology manufacturing, ESG finance, or circular economy projects. 

When these strengths come together, innovation becomes practical and visible in everyday urban life. That is exactly what DESPACE 镝空间 is delivering with its circularly designed soundproof pods: modular, largely made from recycled materials, and offered through a furniture-as-a-service model. 

By bringing high-quality, nearby workspaces into the heart of the city, DESPACE also creates a very concrete ESG impact (this is btw exactly why the Netherlands year-on-year ends up in the top 10 list of most innovative countries). All brought to you by a small team which consists of balanced Dutch talent and Chinese talent. 

Now launched at conglomerate Hopson International Center, this initiative shows how sustainable design can be both scalable and commercially viable, further reaching to other commercial spaces in Shanghai soon. 

The Benelux Chamber of Commerce in East China is truely proud to support this hi-tech collaboration and to stand behind projects that translate Benelux innovation into real solutions in China. Especially when taking into account that DESPACE also was the winner of our Best of Benelux Awards "Most Innovative Award" in 2024.

 Congratulations to Michiel Roosjen, Abigail LIU and all partners on bringing this vision to life in Shanghai! Looking forward to seeing more of DESPACE in Shanghai!