Good Practices in the field of Circular Economy

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s Circular Design Guide: The Circular Design Guide is a free online resource that provides designers with tools and resources to help them design products and systems for circularity. The guide includes case studies, design strategies, and resources for implementing circular design principles.

H&M’s garment collection program: H&M, the global fashion retailer, has implemented a garment collection program that encourages customers to bring in their old clothes for recycling. The collected garments are then sorted and processed into new materials that can be used to make new products.

The city of Amsterdam’s circular economy program: The city of Amsterdam has developed a comprehensive circular economy program that includes initiatives to promote circular product design, reduce waste, and increase recycling. The program includes initiatives such as the Amsterdam Circular Innovation Program and the Amsterdam Circular Challenge, which support circular economy startups and innovators.

Interface’s carpet recycling program: Interface, a global manufacturer of modular carpet tiles, has implemented a carpet recycling program that aims to reduce waste and increase the use of recycled materials. The program involves collecting old carpets from customers, recycling them into new materials, and using those materials to manufacture new carpets.

Toyota’s closed-loop supply chain: Toyota has implemented a closed-loop supply chain for its car manufacturing process, which aims to reduce waste and increase efficiency. The closed-loop system involves recycling and reusing materials and components at each stage of the manufacturing process, from production to disposal.

Patagonia’s Worn Wear program: Patagonia, the outdoor clothing company, has implemented a program called Worn Wear, which encourages customers to repair and reuse their clothing instead of buying new items. The program includes a repair service and a website where customers can buy and sell used Patagonia clothing.

Philips’ circular business model: Philips, the electronics company, has implemented a circular business model for its lighting division. The model involves leasing lighting systems to customers instead of selling them, which allows Philips to retain ownership of the materials and components used in the systems. At the end of the lease period, Philips takes back the systems and recycles or reuses the materials.

The City of San Francisco’s zero waste program: San Francisco has implemented a zero waste program, which aims to divert all waste from landfills and incinerators by 2020. The program includes initiatives such as composting, recycling, and waste reduction campaigns.

The Circular Phone project: The Circular Phone project is a collaboration between several European companies and research institutions to develop a smartphone that is designed for circularity. The phone is designed to be easily disassembled and repaired, and the components are designed to be reused or recycled at the end of the phone’s life.

The Closed Loop Partners fund: The Closed Loop Partners fund is a private equity fund that invests in circular economy startups and initiatives. The fund provides financing and support to companies and projects that are working to create more sustainable and circular systems.

These are just a few examples of the many good practices being implemented in the field of circular economy. These practices demonstrate the potential for creating more sustainable and efficient systems and products that benefit both the environment and society.

Exemplary Companies Implementing Circular Economy Practices: Leading the Way towards Sustainability

The Case of Greece

Tsakiris Family

Tsakiris, one of the largest egg production units in the Greece, reuses food waste, converting it into new food products, and recycles it into new products. Specifically, it sells eggs with a finite expiry date to other companies, which through a special processing process reuse them as raw material for the production of bakery products. At the same time, it uses the livestock feed waste in the production of energy and uses the residues as fertilizer. (Interreg Europe, 2021).

Domaine Agrovision

This company is active in the production of wines. During the winemaking process, waste products such as lees are also produced. Wine lees, as a product of wine fermentation, contains acidity, pigments, yeasts, sugars and other substances necessary for the production of bakery products (Skai, 2021). It is precisely this waste that the company makes available to local businesses, which in turn produce bread, pizza, buns and doughnuts, giving not only new life to this waste (Interreg Europe, 2021), but also special treats since imaginative recipes have been discovered with wine sludge playing a leading role.

In fact, the company is going one step further, as it aspires to replace the use of wine with the use of wine sludge in all recipes such as such as octopus au gratin, but also to identify other potential uses for other possible uses of wine sludge, such as in curing meat. (Winetrails, 2021). Feature is that within a year the company managed to reduce the volume of waste waste by 40%, but also increased its profits from the sale of wine sludge, which was previously considered waste. What’s more, the company is converting the waste from its own wastewater cork into decorative works of art, while old wine barrels and the poles of into modern seating, tables and even bicycles, which they intend to make available to schools (Paspartou, 2021).

"Staramaki"

In Northern Greece and specifically in Kilkis, it is produced by the Social Cooperative Enterprise, the “staramaki”. The “staramaki” is nothing else than straw made from the stalk of wheat and its name comes from the combination of the word’s ‘straw’ and ‘wheat’ (Iefimerida, 2019). As the area is mainly rural, the whole project was launched to stimulate the economy of the wider region and vulnerable groups in particular, since the social enterprise employs such vulnerable people (e.g., refugees) by offering them jobs. The aim of the enterprise is the gradual replacement of plastic and paper reed baskets, taking advantage of exactly one by-product of wheat that is abundant in the area and thus the “staramaki” was created.. The process production process begins with the harvesting and storage of the wheat in a suitable space in order to control the level of moisture. Then the appropriate ingredients are selected the wheat stalks are selected and cut to the desired height, followed by the pre-washing, boiling, curdling and washing of the natural reeds in order to make them suitable for use. The straws are then dried and after undergoing quality control, they are packaged and marketed.

The benefits of disseminating this alternative straw will be enormous, especially when one considers that in Greece alone, we consume 1.6 billion straws per year, while the corresponding consumption in Europe is 30-40 billion straws per year (Staramaki, 2019)! Already the Already the demand for ‘staramaki’ has increased dramatically, forcing the company to to increase its production from 5,000 pieces per day to 20,000 in order to to meet market needs, and has already started to export its product and in Europe as large companies order ‘staramakia’ (Interreg Europe, 2021). As the whole process has so far been done manually, the cost of each is high and amounts to 13-14 cents. The aim is to reduce this amount by at least half in the next six months, to 4 cents over two years, while four years from now the founders estimate that each unit will be sold for half a euro cent (Ethnos.gr, 2020). This drastic reduction will come with the introduction of machinery in production and its conversion to semi-automatic production. allowing both more massive and cheaper production of ‘staramaki’.

Project Restia

Project Restia was created by a 36-year-old hairdresser, who in in collaboration with other salons and pet grooming shops, decided to collect hair for a unique purpose: to create marine water purification filters. Knowing the hair’s ability to retain grease, he figured that instead of being thrown away as waste, it could be reused to recover oil after marine accidents. In collaboration with the University of West Attica and with the appropriate guidance from a similar action in America, “Matter of Trust”, which was set up to deal with the Gulf of Mexico accident, RESTIA was created. On average, 8-9 marine accidents with a serious environmental impact take place annually, in which RESTIA’s vision is to provide these filters free of charge (Camposou, 2022), (restia.gr, 2022).

The Case of Croatia

Sapunoteka

Sapunoteka provides skin friendly products based on the principles of valuable natural raw materials, enriched with scientifically proven active ingredients, without the use of raw materials of animal origin, packed in minimal, environmentally friendly and functional packaging.

Sapunoteka was founded in 2009 by Ivan Milišić i Marija Plavčić and has been developing sustainably since then. Created out of love for nature, for creation, out of curiosity and enthusiasm.

Their core values values:

Ecology – All products are packaged in environmentally friendly packaging, we are continuously working on new and better solutions. They try to procure as many ingredients locally as possible, whenever possible. Their products are biodegradable.

Ethics – They do not use ingredients of animal origin (animal fats, milk, honey, wax, lanolin, keratin …). Their products, as well as the ingredients we use to make our products, have not been tested on animals.

Knowledge – The formulations are based on knowledge and rules of the profession, taking into account traditional experiences.

Ecology 108

Ecology 108 produces laundry detergents – laundry powder, liquid detergents, softeners, cleaning agents and a number of other ecological household products.

Besides the fact that their products are allergen-free and biodegradable, they harm the environment as little as possible. All detergent components that represent allergens and are harmful to the environment are of organic origin, and this is confirmed by the EU Ecolabel certificate, which, with its criteria, regulates and determines the use of such components. This means that they did not remove the stain, but due to the refraction of light, it is no longer visible to the eye, although it is still present. Such bleaches are extremely harmful to health and the environment.

Ecology 108 uses bleach based on active oxygen, which is completely degradable in nature and does not cause allergic reactions in users. Additionally, a harmful component of detergents is perfume, which can be a strong allergen. They use perfume in a very small concentration and buy it from local producer and it meets the strict criteria in product evaluation for awarding the EU Ecolabel. They pack their products in paper or recycled plastic.

Pongetoys

PongeToys company was created as a small family company in Osijek, Croatia. They create wooden toys for children around the world. PongeToys takes care of the environment and the safety of children, toys must be safe for both. They produce and sell only quality wooden toys that are made from natural, biodegradable, recycled and/or recycled materials. Wooden toys are durable and last longer than plastic toys, thus creating less waste. By donating a wooden toy to a child, we are not contributing to environmental pollution and thus protecting the child’s future.

PČELARKO OMOTI

Pčelarko Omoti is the first Croatian eco wraps for wrapping food. The beeswax wraps are an eco-friendly, reusable alternative to aluminum and cling foil. Created by Marina Devide, who lives in Vela Luka on the island of Korčula, the wrapping has a shelf life of 12 months.

“They can be used for wrapping bread, cheese, fruit, vegetables, sandwiches. You can cover a bowl or a platter, and also it can be used as a lid for a glass container,” Marina explains, before adding.

“They help cut down on single-use plastic. Being compostable they are zero-waste and help to reduce plastic pollution towards a more sustainable life. With no toxic ingredients, they wrap food in an organic way and prolong the life of food.”

Pčelarko Omot wraps are made from OEKO-TEX cotton fabric, beeswax, pine resin, jojoba, and coconut oil and come in six different sizes.

The Case of Romania

In Romania, the concept of circular economy is considered a priority for the sustainable development of the country. One of the key objectives is to reduce waste production and make efficient use of available resources.

In this regard, several measures and policies have been implemented to promote the circular economy: developing infrastructure for recycling and waste management, tax incentives for companies adopting circular practices, supporting innovation and research in the field of circular economy, as well as education and public awareness on the importance of this approach.

The National Agency for Circular Economy is responsible for coordinating and implementing policies and measures in this area. It implements the National Strategy on Circular Economy which has set objectives and measures for the transition to a circular economic model.

Partnerships have also been created between authorities, the private sector and non-governmental organizations to promote the circular economy and develop joint solutions. Circular economy projects have been initiated in different sectors, such as agriculture, textiles, construction and information technology, to encourage innovation and sustainable job creation.

Romania has implemented extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes for certain product categories, such as packaging and electrical and electronic equipment. These schemes impose a responsibility on producers to collect and recycle their products at end-of-life. Through these schemes, producers are encouraged to develop products that are sustainable and easy to recycle, thereby contributing to the circular economy.

Another example of the circular economy in Romania is the promotion of the concept of renting or sharing goods. Companies that offer rental services of bicycles, tools or electronic equipment allow people to use these goods temporarily, thus avoiding the purchase of new goods to be used only occasionally. This reduces resource consumption and waste generation.

Reused, Recycled and Upcycled Clothes and Accessories – REDU is the first social enterprise in Romania to create new and improved products from pre-consumer and post-consumer textile waste and thefirst initiative in Iasi to collect old and used materials from the community for reuse.

The activity includes actions to collect textile waste, recover it in a workshop, as well as commercialize value-added products, to ensure financial viability and multiply the positive impact.

The aim of the project is to develop a circular economy model at local level. As a result, its work includes actions to collect textile waste, recover it in a workshop, as well as market value-added products to ensure financial viability and multiply positive impacts. The work of the project continues today in the form of a social enterprise that aims to change the way fashion is viewed from an impulsive choice to a conscious one. Practical solutions for textile improvement are offered – product making and customization services, using recovered materials, donated by the local community or collected from creative workshops and factories, or sustainable materials purchased from local suppliers, so as to improve the negative impact of the textile industry on the environment.

Main results:

Creation of 8 part-time and full-time jobs in the fields of design, tailoring and promotion of social enterprise activity

Collection of approximately 4950 kg of post-consumer textile waste through 10 collection points, from individuals in Iasi, and approximately 450 kg of pre-consumer waste, from factories using textiles

The creation of 1169 “GREEN” products in the REDU workshop, which involved designing, identifying the right materials and processing them to take the form of new useful and attractive products

Production of 596 custom-made products from materials obtained from textile waste collection activity

Retouching of 129 products of Iasi residents in the REDU repair workshop

Refurbishment of approximately 2060 products whose “lifetime” has been extended

Marketing products to approximately 1500 responsible consumers.

ROCESP (ROMANIAN CIRCULAR ECONOMY STAKEHOLDERS PLATFORM

The Institute for Research in Circular Economy and Environment “Ernest Lupan” founded the ROCESP platform (Romanian Circular Economy Stakeholders Platforms https://rocesp.ro/). The role of the platform is to be a network of networks whose purpose is to create a point of national convergence regarding the initiatives, experiences, critical issues, perspectives and expectations regarding the circular economy that our country wants and can represent in Europe with one voice, promoting the Romanian way of adapting the economy, also through specific actions dedicated to the economic, social and environmental pillar.

The members of the ROCESP Platform are institutions of local and central public administration, academic, research and innovation institutions but also companies, professional associations and representatives of civil society. They all adhere to the ROCESP Charter which defines the objectives, structure, areas of interest and operational tools of the platform.

S.C. ECO BIHOR SRL

has built a station where solid organic waste is decomposed and transformed by microorganisms (mainly bacteria and fungi) into a stable material which can be recovered in agriculture or used to cover the slopes of compliant landfills. Based on a special recipe, a mixture of flower soil is obtained which is capitalized both bagged and bulk.

Subsequently, the company expanded its activity with the mechanical biological treatment plant for household and assimilable waste from the population. The principle of mechanical and biological treatment activity is to reduce the amount of waste deposited by sorting and recovery of recyclable waste from this mass, and obtaining a low-quality compost by treating its organic waste that is used for daily coverage of deposited waste.

Following the treatment of this waste, industrial waste and waste that cannot be treated are deposited in the ecological landfill. The drained leachate (wastewater) is treated through our own reverse osmosis treatment plants, resulting in standard quality water. The biogas generated by the landfill is captured and recovered energetically through the biogas station with connection to the national energy grid, thus obtaining green certificates.

Hubrica-creative agora

The project was born from the need to associate specialists from various fields (artists, architects, ICT researchers, designers, creators) exploring forms of collaborative work in the summer of 2016.

This creative platform aims to influence on 2 directions:

Individual workshops (collaboration, exchange of experience, experiments, research);
Extended community (general public), (events, exhibitions, workshops, theatre, debates), (revitalization of the urban area).

The objectives of good practice are to create a common space to encourage/stimulate creativity and innovation, gather more artists and workshops, open a HUB for a larger community, create an innovation lab based on research, entrepreneurship and education, and stimulate the community for inspiration and new ideas for development.

The space is similar to a:

Collaboration space.
Creative hub.
Factory, creative space.
Collaboration platform.

It is a unique concept, developed organically, which they have not found anywhere else but have found inspiration in other models.

By engaging the community, they identified cultural challenges. They realized the need to have a community that needs to be better informed and educated about the role that this practice (Hubrica) has in community development. For this, they started a project through which they developed a three-way approach to become more resilient to the market: entrepreneurship, innovation and education.

Main results

They had several exhibitions, events organized with positive impact.
The space can be visited to see the workshops and artists who form this Hub.
They have gained the trust and support of the community as they have been able to raise funds to restore the common areas of the space they are in.

The Case of Portugal

Collection and recycling of coffee capsules in Cascais, Portugal

Cascais has collected an impressive 1.5 tons of coffee capsules in just three months, thanks to a collaborative project launched in late 2022. This pioneering project in Portugal aims to recycle the capsules by separating the aluminum, plastic, and coffee grounds to create new products. The protocol for the collection and recycling of coffee capsules was signed between the municipal company Cascais Ambiente, Tratolixo, and coffee producers and distributors. Since then, the city’s eight ecocenters have been available for residents to deposit their used capsules, regardless of brand or material. The initiative has received great support from consumers, with over 106,000 capsules diverted from landfills in the first three months of operation. The aluminum and plastic from the capsules will be used in the production of new products, while the coffee grounds will be transformed into organic compost for agricultural use.

NÃM - The next step for the coffee grounds

NÃM, a startup based in Lisbon, Portugal, is revolutionizing the use of coffee grounds in food production. The company adopts a nature-inspired business model, aiming to eliminate waste. After months of experimentation, NÃM successfully cultivated oyster mushrooms using a combination of coffee grounds, straw, and mycelium.

The partnership with Delta Cafés has boosted production, with the startup receiving 100 kg of coffee grounds daily, a quantity they aim to double in 2021. The mushrooms are supplied to restaurants within a 15 km radius, while the residue from the process is transformed into natural fertilizer for local gardens and farms in collaboration with NÃM’s partners. The company represents a notable example of circular economy and sustainability.

SKIZO – The plan to reduce microplastics in our oceans

Skizo, a Portuguese start-up, has recently launched a synthetic laundry bag that collects microplastics released by fibers. The bag prevents the release of small plastic pieces into rivers and oceans, as explained by the startup in a statement.

The bag is made from “discarded fishing nets and plastic collected on the Portuguese coast and beaches by local fishermen, which are later transformed into textile by companies in the North of Portugal.” The plastic bottles and fishing nets are initially cleaned, shredded, and turned into pellets (small plastic balls), which are then transformed into thread and further categorized as polyester (from bottles) and polyamide (from nets).

Skizo, stated, “It is estimated that 35% of microplastics released into the ocean come from the wear and tear of synthetic textiles during washing. These microplastics are ingested by fish, which we then consume. This bag is a first step in helping to solve this environmental problem.” To use the washing bag, they added, “Simply fill it with about two-thirds of synthetic clothing and put it in the washing machine along with other items. As the bags are made with a thin layer of polyamide with openings of about 50 micrometers, the fibers that may be released from synthetic clothes are trapped in the bag and can be discarded for plastic recycling.”

Skizo initially started its product line with the development of sneakers. After selling to numerous European countries, Brazil, the United States, and Canada, the brand will launch a new customizable sneaker design in August. Additionally, the startup has created beach bags made from ocean plastic, recycled cotton, and linen, as stated in the same press release. In the future, Skizo intends to explore the possibility of giving a second life to the microplastics collected by the bag and also venture into the production of swimwear using discarded fishing nets.

The Case of Spain

The implementation of the Circular Economy in Spain and the European Union

The move to a circular economy requires the participation of all members of society, not just the government. Research and innovation are essential to the success of the manufacturing, production, distribution, and waste management industries. Consumers and residents in particular must play an essential part in both recycling and consumer preferences.

While Spain Circular 2030 is meant to be implemented over the course of many years, concrete steps will be taken in the near and medium term through a series of action plans that build on prior knowledge and adapt to changing conditions and events so that, based on evaluation of outcomes, the most effective measures can be incorporated into subsequent blueprints. The Circular Economy Strategy, together with its accompanying action plans, policies, and instruments, will be centered on the following action lines: Water reuse and purification, water purification, production, consumption, waste management, and tertiary raw resources. The Spanish Strategy for the Circular Economy aims to be the go-to model for government agencies, businesses, and citizens alike via its intersectional approach. Some areas of the Spanish economy are under close observation because of their significance to the country’s economy and way of life. This is the case in the realms of building, farming, fishing, and forestry, general manufacturing, consumer products, travel, and textiles and clothing. The circular economy paradigm eliminates waste and pollution, reuses materials, and regenerates natural systems. The goal is to keep product, material, and resource value in the economy. During this time, trash is minimized and utilised as much as possible.

Key Factors in the field of Spain circular economy

Construction: Construction dominates Spain. In 2018, the construction sector contributed 6.5% of Spanish GPD but consumed 40% of resources, created 40% of waste, and released 35% of greenhouse emissions. Thus, the construction sector’s impact on sustainability must be reduced and circular economy technologies and practices introduced gradually. Directive 2018/851/UE examines the Waste Framework Directive, as supported by the UE Protocol for Management of Construction and Demolition Waste, part of the 2021 Construction Strategy, and the Commission Communication on construction resource efficiency. This will increase product reuse and recycling, which has environmental and economic benefits.

Farming, fishing and forestry: Agriculture supplies 70% of the food and beverage industry and helps settle and integrate the region. Spanish agriculture’s 2016 GDP was 10.62%. 88 million tons of EU food waste harm its economy. Energy and environmental costs complicate this. Farming, like all bioeconomy sectors, must provide higher-quality food at cheaper prices while assuring sustainable use of natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystem protection, waste reduction, valorization, and sustainable food models.

Industry: Industry accounts for 17.7% of GDP and 14% of employment. Sector agendas might include circular economy needs for mid- and long-term sustainability. Digital transformation is needed to satisfy modern, demanding society. Industrial firms must change their approach. Management and monitoring boost circular economy and resource efficiency in Industria Conectada 4.0.

Fashion: Fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world, according to Unctad (UN Conference on Trade and Development). It contributes 10% of global carbon emissions and 20% of wastewater. Fashion uses more energy than aircraft and shipping combined.

Exemplary Spanish Companies Implementing Circular Economy Practices: Leading the Way towards Sustainability

Infinite Athletic

Infinite Athletic, a Catalan firm that makes tennis racket string shirts, is a circular economy example. This initiative aims to produce new shirts from polyester ropes. Since polyester can be recycled into new clothes, they manufacture T-shirts with an indefinite lifespan, thus their moniker. Thus, they profit from Spain’s 60 tons of racket string trash.

TheCircularLab

Packaging and recycling innovation center in Logroño, La Rioja. A groundbreaking study exploring future packaging, smart waste management in smart cities, ethical consumption, and citizen recycling. This lab develops, tests, and executes packaging innovation. TheCircularLab manages the packaging life cycle from conception through ecodesign to reintroduction into the consumption cycle through new products based on four strategic areas of work: future packaging, smart waste, citizen awareness, and eco-entrepreneurship.

Circular Market

Circular Market connects companies to help them create value. An ingenious approach that turns one company’s garbage into another’s raw materials.
This platform also lets users connect to make joint purchases, share resources, and create new jobs and business opportunities.

Sheedo Life

Spanish eco-friendly stationery brand Sheedo Life is well-known. Each person contributes to their aim of changing consumption habits to more sustainable ones. Their stationery gifts prioritize sustainability and well-being. Their main material is seeded paper, and their manufacture is manual. The paper may be planted after use because it contains seeds.

The Ecoalf

The clothing firm Ecoalf creates its garments by making use of recycled materials such as old tires, polyester, and even used coffee grounds. Since 2009, their objective has been to reduce CO2 emissions and water usage by using recycled polyester, nylon, wool, and cotton. GRS certified. The voluntary Global Recycled Standard (GRS) tracks and verifies recycled components in final products. The supply chain standard covers traceability, environmental principles, social criteria, chemical composition, and labeling.

The European RobinFood Project

The RobinFood initiative in Europe attempts to reduce food waste from small farmers. It also aims to employ underprivileged people and create new healthy items for international sale. Eroski, the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT Food), and the start-up RobinFood started this program in Spain, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

The role of Circular economy in transforming the European cities

Circular economy can play a significant role in transforming European cities into more sustainable and resilient places. Here are some ways in which circular economy can contribute to this transformation:

Resource efficiency: In the context of European cities, resource efficiency can bring significant economic and environmental benefits. Cities are centers of consumption, and the circular economy can help to reduce the amount of waste generated by residents and businesses. This, in turn, can reduce the pressure on landfill sites, lower waste disposal costs, and improve air and water quality. Furthermore, by implementing circular principles, cities can reduce their reliance on raw materials and create a more secure and resilient resource base.

Job creation: The transition to a circular economy has the potential to create new jobs in areas such as waste management, recycling, and product design. In cities, where there is often a concentration of creative and innovative businesses, there is a particular opportunity for circular economy initiatives to thrive. By providing support for startups and promoting collaboration between businesses, research institutions, and other stakeholders, cities can create an environment that fosters innovation and encourages job creation.

Innovation: The circular economy requires new ways of thinking about products and systems, which can drive innovation and new business models. This is particularly relevant in the context of cities, where there is a need for new solutions to address complex social and environmental challenges. By promoting innovation in areas such as sustainable transport, energy systems, and waste management, cities can become leaders in the transition to a more circular economy.

Climate mitigation: The circular economy can contribute to climate mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions through more efficient use of resources and reduced waste. Cities are significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, and therefore have a critical role to play in mitigating climate change. By promoting circular principles, cities can reduce the carbon footprint of their residents and businesses and contribute to the achievement of climate targets.

Community engagement: Circular economy initiatives can provide opportunities for community engagement and empowerment. By promoting initiatives such as community recycling programs, repair cafes, and shared resource programs, cities can build social capital and strengthen community resilience. This, in turn, can help to foster a sense of community ownership and promote social cohesion.

In conclusion, the circular economy has the potential to transform European cities by improving resource efficiency, creating new job opportunities, driving innovation, contributing to climate mitigation, and fostering community engagement. By taking a holistic approach to circular economy, cities can unlock the benefits of a more sustainable and resilient future.

Methods and techniques for the awareness of the population to adopt the model of Circular Economy

Here are some methods and techniques that can be used to raise awareness and promote adoption of the circular economy model:

Education and Training: Providing education and training programs for the public and businesses can help to raise awareness about the benefits of the circular economy and how to implement circular principles in their daily lives and operations. These programs can be delivered through workshops, seminars, online courses, and educational campaigns.

Communication and Information: Effective communication and information sharing are essential for promoting the circular economy model. This can be achieved through various channels such as social media, websites, newsletters, public events, and publications. These channels can be used to share information about circular initiatives, success stories, and best practices.

Collaborative Initiatives: Collaborative initiatives that involve stakeholders from different sectors can help to promote circular economy principles and practices. These initiatives can include partnerships between businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions. These partnerships can help to share knowledge, resources, and expertise to advance circular economy practices.

Incentives and Rewards: Incentives and rewards can be used to encourage individuals and businesses to adopt circular economy practices. For example, governments can provide tax incentives for companies that adopt circular practices, or offer rebates to consumers who purchase products made from recycled materials.

Product Design: Circular economy principles can be integrated into product design to promote sustainable consumption and production. This can include designing products with recycled materials, ensuring they are durable and repairable, and implementing a take-back program to ensure proper disposal and recycling of products.

Circular Business Models: Promoting circular business models, such as product-as-a-service, can help to reduce waste and promote sustainable consumption. These models involve leasing or renting products instead of selling them outright, which can help to extend their lifespan and reduce waste.

Overall, these methods and techniques can be effective in raising awareness and promoting the adoption of circular economy practices among the population.