As part of the Interreg Europe project iCEAR – Integrated Circular Economy Action Plans for Rural Areas, the project partners discussed the further development of their strategic approaches to promoting the circular economy.
During the program, the partners also visited a research institute that conducts work on, among other things, bioplastics, bio-based aviation fuels, and the removal of PFAS in wastewater treatment. Other stops included a tissue and paper mill that reduces water, waste, and energy consumption; a cement plant that implements circular economy principles through concrete recycling and recarbonization; and a winery that, in addition to producing innovative Polish wines, is testing new uses for grapes and grape pomace, such as cosmetics and mustard.
Across all these examples, one thing became clear: the circular economy depends on collaboration between research, industry, public administration, and regional stakeholders. Innovation is already taking place, but political support plays a crucial role in bringing promising solutions into markets, production processes, and existing value chains.
The project demonstrated that the circular economy becomes a tangible reality when innovation meets real-world production—and when collaboration helps translate examples of best practice into more effective policy support.
Contact person at IfLS: Christoph Mathias (mathias[at]ifls.de)
