The linear extract-produce-use-dump material and energy flow model is unsustainable. In this linear model, materials are extracted faster than they can be replenished. There is a need for a different model, a circular economy, as evidenced by the EU’s commitment to this goal. The Netherlands has also committed to be fully circular by 2050. Dutch companies, however, have failed to achieve progress towards the adoption of a circular economy. The Dutch manufacturing sector is more circular compared to other countries, but the progression in circularity has stagnated. Most firms opt for a recycling or recovery strategy to achieve circularity, but these are two of the least favored circular strategies as they are still relatively linear. The total material usage has increased and there is a need for a reduction in materials usage per product, starting at the design phase. Consequently, an identification of barriers and strategies to achieve a reduction in material usage is needed. Through an exploratory approach, inspired by Ortt and Kamp and their technological innovation system framework, the context of the system we are trying to change is explored and strategies will be designed to overcome the identified barriers. The research contains research methods such as literature reviews of scientific articles and company reports, as well as semi-structured interviews and case studies with Dutch companies operating in the manufacturing sector. The result of this report is a list of niche strategies for manufacturing companies in the Netherlands.