COMPANY NAME

Sociedad Cooperativa Montevirgen

COUNTRY

SPAIN

SECTOR

Agrifood

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

Recovery and recycling

CHALLENGE

S.C. Montevirgen faced significant environmental and operational hurdles in the lye treatment stage of its table olive production process. In particular, the company experienced high water consumption (2.50 m³ per tonne of olives processed) and the generation of large volumes of highly polluting wastewater (1.6 m³ per tonne). This waste, stored in evaporation ponds, led to high management costs (€3.40 per m³), local environmental impacts and a growing dependence on expanding pond capacity. Additionally, the process required substantial quantities of fresh sodium hydroxide (NaOH), further increasing both operational costs and the company’s environmental footprint. 

SOLUTION

Through the CIRC2SAVE feasibility study, the company validated a circular system to reuse alkaline effluents (lye and wash water) to prepare new sodium hydroxide solutions for subsequent olive batches. 

This approach reduces freshwater demand and wastewater discharge by more than 45%, while maintaining the quality of the final product.  

By transforming a problematic waste stream into a valuable resource, the solution significantly lowers operational and waste management costs. 

CIRCULAR ECONMY STRATEGIES/BUSINESS MODEL IMPLEMENTED

The CIRC2SAVE project successfully applied four key circular strategies to optimize resource loops: 

• Narrow: reducing the input of virgin NaOH and freshwater by using the wastewaters from lye treatment. 

• Slow: extending the use of the liquid volume by ensuring it remains within the production system for longer periods through multiple reuses. 

• Close the loop: reintroducing wastewater (used NaOH solution or washing water) as a functional input, effectively transforming “waste” into a fresh NaOH solution for the production cycle. 

• Regeneration: Establishing the technical framework to treat wastewater as a co-product, allowing it to be reused at least twice before disposal

IMPACT

The initiative has delivered measurable environmental, economic and social improvements at pilot scale, with significant potential for industrial and regional scaling: 

Environmental impact: 

• Reduction in water consumption from 2.50 m³ to 1.80 m³ per tonne of produced olives. 

• Significant decrease in wastewater generation, dropping from 1.60 m³ to 0.80 m³ per tonne of produced olives. 

Economic impact: 

• 50% reduction in annual waste management costs (estimated saving of €9,130 for an annual 3,000-tonne production. 

• Reduction in NaOH consumption from 45 kg to 38 kg per tonne of olives through efficient reuse. 

• Improved return on investment by halting the annual 15% expansion of evaporation pond surfaces. 

Social impact: 

• High potential for knowledge transfer to over 100 regional SMEs and the 12 cooperatives within the 2º Degree cooperative to which Montevirgen is linked. 

• Increased member and employee satisfaction by aligning industrial processes with sustainable development goals

KEY TAKEAWAY

Reusing alkaline wastewater is a technically and economically viable strategy for the table olive sector. By treating waste as a resource, companies can achieve substantial cost savings and environmental protection without compromising product quality. 

The post CIRC2SAVE: REUSE OF WASTEWATER IN THE PRODUCTION OF TABLE OLIVES  appeared first on up2circ.eu.

• Ikone – a French company with the project Ikone Textile Revaluation, which aims to develop a textile collection and reuse solutions, with the clear objective of extending the life cycle of textiles and limiting the environmental impacts associated with their premature disposal.
  
  
• MycoLutions GmbH – a German company with the project Bio-Circ Substrates, which has developed eco-friendly acoustic and insulation solutions made from fungal mycelium. These solutions significantly improve room acoustics. As part of the Up2Circ initiative, the company is exploring how to transform its supply chain into a circular one by reducing waste and repurposing residual materials.
  
  
• Prime Laser Technology S.A. – a Greek company with the project REMUREISTA, aimed at reducing material use and increasing recycling for solar thermal absorbers.

The post New circular solutions receive Up2Circ support appeared first on up2circ.eu.

Company and project background

Alhomna Systems is a French cleantech startup developing solar technologies designed to transform organic residues into valuable resources. Our vision is to demonstrate that environmental solutions can also be economically viable. We believe that sustainable technologies, inspired by low-tech principles, can become profitable when they focus on transforming and valorising existing material flows.

Many organic residues produced by wastewater treatment plants, agriculture or the food industry still contain valuable nutrients and organic matter. In theory, these materials could replace part of the chemical fertilizers used today. However, in practice they are difficult to manage because they contain a large amount of water and must be stored during periods when land spreading is not allowed.

Through the Up2Circ programme, we explored the feasibility of SolarDry, a solar-powered system designed to remove excess water from these residues. By concentrating the material and making it more stable, SolarDry reduces transport volumes and facilitates storage and handling.

This approach helps create the conditions for better valorisation of organic matter while also improving the social acceptability of residue management by reducing odours, transport, and operational constraints.

What motivated you to make your business more circular?

The motivation came from observing how inefficient the current system can be when managing organic residues.

In many cases, sludge and digestates are transported over long distances even though most of their weight is simply water. This creates high logistics costs, unnecessary energy use, and additional CO₂ emissions.

At the same time, these materials still contain nutrients and organic matter that could be reused instead of being treated purely as waste. We saw an opportunity to rethink this process by combining solar energy and circular resource recovery.

The SolarDry project was therefore initiated to explore how solar heat could reduce volumes, lower environmental impacts, and support more circular management of organic residues.

Implementation Process

What were the main objectives of your feasibility study?

The objective of the study was to evaluate whether a solar-powered dehydration system could realistically work for treating sludge and organic residues.

We wanted to understand the technical feasibility of using solar heat to evaporate water, the environmental benefits of reducing transport and fossil energy use, and the potential economic value for operators.

Several indicators were analysed, including dry matter increase, reduction of transported volumes, energy substitution, and potential emission reductions.By combining technical modelling with market and logistics analysis, the study aimed to determine whether SolarDry could become a practical circular solution for waste management.

What activities did you carry out as part of your project?

The project involved a combination of technical analysis, data modelling, and market exploration.

We first conducted engineering modelling to understand how heat would circulate inside the SolarDry reactor and how efficiently water could be evaporated using solar thermal energy.

We also analysed solar irradiation data and compared it with the geographical distribution of wastewater treatment plants and agro-industrial sites. This helped identify territories where solar drying could be particularly relevant.

Finally, we analysed logistics and economic factors such as transport distances, energy prices, and potential uses for the dried material.

What feedback did you receive from stakeholders (customers, suppliers etc.)?

We exchanged with wastewater operators, agro-industrial companies, and experts in waste management to better understand their operational constraints.

Many stakeholders confirmed that reducing the volume of wet residues is a major challenge today, both economically and environmentally. Transport costs, regulatory pressure, and energy prices are all increasing.

They also highlighted the importance of solutions that can be implemented directly on site, without requiring heavy infrastructure.

This feedback helped us refine the project and identify promising early applications, particularly in agro-industrial contexts where moderate but continuous residue flows are common.

Impact & Outcomes

What are the main results and outcomes of the project for your company?

The feasibility study confirmed that solar-powered drying could significantly reduce the volume of wet residues.

By increasing the dry matter content to around 60%, the transported mass can be reduced by approximately two thirds. This means fewer truck movements, lower logistics costs, and reduced environmental impacts.

The study also confirmed that solar thermal energy can substitute part of the fossil energy typically used in conventional drying systems.

Did you detect a positive impact of circular transition for your company and for the environment?

Reducing the water content of sludge and organic residues directly reduces transport-related emissions and energy consumption. At the same time, replacing fossil energy with solar heat improves the overall environmental performance of the process.

Another important aspect is that dehydrated organic matter becomes easier to handle and can potentially be reused as a resource, for example in agriculture or as a biomass material. In this way, the project contributes both to renewable energy use and to the circular management of organic resources.

Which changes have you already implemented?

The study helped us refine the SolarDry concept and better understand the most promising use cases. Based on the results, we are now preparing the next development phase, which will involve building and testing a pilot system in real industrial conditions.

This pilot will allow us to collect operational data, validate the performance of the technology, and prepare the path toward future deployment.

Lessons learned

What key lessons did you learn regarding circular innovation?

Technological innovation alone is not enough. It is essential to understand how solutions will be used in practice and how they fit into existing industrial processes.Working closely with stakeholders helped us better identify practical needs and opportunities.

Did you encounter any challenges?

The main challenge was identifying the right first markets for deployment. Different sectors have different operational constraints, so finding the best early adopters is an important step.

If you could do your project again, what would you do differently?

If we started the project again, we would involve industrial stakeholders even earlier in the feasibility phase. Early discussions with potential users help identify operational constraints and accelerate the transition from concept to real-world implementation.

Future plans & recommendations

What are your next steps towards circular transition?

Our next step is to build and test a pilot version of the SolarDry technology in real industrial conditions. This will allow us to validate the concept at a larger scale and demonstrate how solar-powered drying can support circular waste management.

Is there any advice you would give to other SMEs looking to implement a circular project?

Start with a clear problem that needs solving and talk to potential users early. Circular innovation often emerges from practical challenges, and collaboration with stakeholders helps ensure that new solutions create real value.

How can policymakers or financial institutions better support businesses in adopting circular practices?

Programmes like Up2Circ are extremely valuable because they allow SMEs to explore innovative ideas and validate concepts before making large investments. Additional support for pilot projects and demonstration facilities would help accelerate the transition from feasibility studies to real industrial deployment.

Do you have any additional comments or reflections about your participation in the Up2Circ project?

Participating in the Up2Circ programme was a valuable first experience with European funding and reporting processes for our company. While these programmes involve a structured and formal framework, Up2Circ provided an accessible entry point that allowed us to better understand how European innovation funding works.

It was therefore a very useful first step for us. Beyond the technical work carried out during the project, it helped us gain experience with European project management and opened new perspectives for future programmes such as LIFE or Interreg.

The post A solar-powered system designed to remove excess water from these residues appeared first on up2circ.eu.

COMPANY NAME

La Verabat S.L.

COUNTRY

Spain

SECTOR

Agrifood

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

Recovery and recycling

CHALENGE

La Verabat company faced significant environmental and financial pressures with a linear “use‑and‑dispose” packaging model for its probiotic goat milk shots (YorGut), symbiotic dairy supplements, and fermented non-alcoholic ginger beer (Minuman). Reliance on single‑use glass containers generated high carbon emissions from both production and transport, as well as considerable waste accumulation. Packaging also represented one of the company’s largest operational expenses, while its rural location in Villanueva de la Vera created additional logistical challenges for establishing efficient waste management and recovery systems.

SOLUTION

The feasibility study has validated a decentralised return‑and‑reuse model specifically designed for rural micro‑enterprises. The system enables the recovery of glass jars and bottles through local hubs—such as pharmacies, health food shops, and bars—followed by professional sanitisation using cost‑efficient, low‑CAPEX equipment. Once cleaned and inspected, the packaging can be reintegrated into the production cycle, supported by solar‑assisted infrastructure that ensures energy‑efficient thermal disinfection. In the case of the beverage, the reuse model has been extended beyond internal packaging by repurposing discarded beer bottles sourced from local bars.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY STARTEGIE/BUSINESS MODEL IMPLEMENTED

The YorGut Circular project has successfully applied four circular strategies to transform La Verabat operations:

• Narrow: reducing the demand for virgin glass by reusing existing containers, thereby lowering material input and operational expenses, as well as resources used for primary glass production.
• Slow: extending the functional lifespan of packaging, expecting to achieve between 25 and 30 reuse cycles of jars and bottles before they are recycled.
• Close: reintroducing glass containers into the production cycle after use by developing a community-based reverse logistics network that enables local collection and return via a deposit-refund system.
• Regenerate: reducing carbon footprint through a planned 9.00 kWp photovoltaic system with battery storage to cover approximately 67% of the total energy demand, including energy-intensive processes such as thermal disinfection of jars.
• MarketDifferentiation: positioning La Verabat as a sustainable brand and strengthening local circular alliances within the value chain.

IMPACT

These are the environmental, economic, and social benefits confirmed by this study:

Environmental impact:

• Estimated 72% reduction in CO₂ emissions per jar and 68% per bottle compared to single-use alternatives.
• Avoidance of up to 5.3 kg of glass waste per jar and 4.1 kg per bottle over their respective lifespans.
• Reduction of 2.9 tons of CO₂ annually through the integration of renewable energy in the cleaning process.

Economic impact:

• Projected 33% per-unit cost reduction in packaging after a break-even period of 8 to 12 months.
• Increased business resilience and market differentiation as a leader in sustainable, rural artisanal food production.

Social impact:

• High consumer and retailer interest in a deposit-return system, with expected return rates of 75–85%.
• Potential for local job creation in specialised roles such as collection, sanitisation, and reverse logistics within the rural community.

Community-based and decentralized model with potential to be replicated in similar rural contexts

KEY TAKEAWAY

Transitioning to a community-based return and reuse system is technically, legally, and economically viable for small-scale rural producers. By merging local logistics with renewable energy, micro-enterprises can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while enhancing their competitiveness through circular innovation.

The post YorGut Circular: A Reusable Jar and Bottle System for Zero-Waste Rural Circularity appeared first on up2circ.eu.

Feasibility study to design and validate a circular deposit-return system for glass honey jars.

COMPANY NAME

Tesela Natura S.L

COUNTRY

Spain

SECTOR

Agrifood

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

Recovery and recycling

CHALLENGE

This project was launched to address major challenges in the honey and agri-food sector regarding the environmental and economic impact of single-use glass packaging. The current linear consumption model leads to high carbon emissions from glass production and transport, as well as to large amounts of glass waste. Furthermore, a drastic increase in glass prices—up 45–60% between 2019 and 2022—and the strong dependency on imported containers increase costs and expose producers like Tesela Natura to supply chain risks.

SOLUTION

Through the Honey X Jars project, the company has designed and validated a circular deposit-return system for glass honey jars. The system involves the collection of used jars through a network of return points located in the cities of Badajoz and Madrid, complemented by a nationwide online sales channel operated by a Madrid-based client. Once collected, the jars are sent to a specialised operator for professional industrial cleaning to meet food safety standards, after which they are reintroduced into the production cycle.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY STRATEGIES/BUSINESS MODEL IMPLEMENTED

The H x J project has successfully implemented several circular economy strategies:

• Narrow – Resource efficiency: reducing the demand for virgin raw materials, energy, and water associated with primary glass production.
• Slow – Product life extension: maximising the functional lifespan of high-quality glass jars by enabling multiple uses through industrial washing.
• Close the loop: reintroducing glass jars into the production cycle after use, avoiding single-use disposal and waste generation.
• Circular incentive strategy: Implementing a €0.50 economic incentive per jar returned to reinforce customer loyalty and retailer engagement.
• Market Differentiation: The model strengthens Tesela Natura’s position as a sustainable brand, creating new commercial opportunities in market segments that prioritize environmental responsibility.

IMPACT

The Honey X Jars initiative has delivered validated environmental, economic, and social benefits for Tesela Natura.

Environmental impact:

• Successful reuse of jars during the pilot phase, achieving a certified reduction of 70 kg CO₂equivalent and 96 jars reused in 1 operational loop.
• Reduction of glass waste, thanks to the glass jars reused.

Economic impact:

• Confirmed economic viability at system level, with unit costs expected to decrease as collection volumes scale.
• Strengthened brand positioning and the generation of new commercial opportunities in sustainable market channels.

Social impact:

• High consumer acceptance and active engagement from retail partners in different territories and online channels.
• Reinforcement of professional roles and local functions in logistics, industrial cleaning, and value chain coordination.
• Local development, especially in the rural environment

KEY TAKEAWAY

The project proves that transitioning from a linear to a circular reuse model is both technically and economically feasible in the honey sector, providing measurable environmental benefits and enhancing business competitiveness through sustainable innovation.

The post VALIDATION OF A DEPOSIT, RETURN, AND REUSE SYSTEM FOR GLASS HONEY JARS appeared first on up2circ.eu.

Company and project background

SAS Ninety operates in the refurbished smartphone sector. Our core activity is the recovery, testing, repair and resale of smartphones. The Up2Circ project focused on assessing the feasibility of implementing a circular refurbishment activity dedicated to high-value smartphone spare parts.

Our core products are refurbished smartphones and electronic repair services. The circular project started as a strategic reflection on how to move beyond simple refurbishment and create a fully circular value chain, by refurbishing and reintegrating original spare parts such as screens, chassis, motherboards and cameras.

This project aligns perfectly with our mission: reducing electronic waste, strengthening local technical expertise, and decreasing dependency on imported new spare parts.

What motivated you to make your business more circular?

The main motivation was to address a structural gap in the French refurbishment market: most players rely heavily on importing new spare parts instead of refurbishing original components.

The opportunity was both environmental and economic. Regulations, increasing customer awareness, and the need for more resilient local supply chains were strong external drivers.

Implementation Process

What were the main objectives of your feasibility study?

The feasibility study had three main objectives:

1) Assess market demand for refurbished spare parts;

2) Evaluate environmental and social impact;

3) Determine technical and financial viability.

What activities did you carry out as part of your project?

We conducted a market study, an impact analysis aligned with SDGs, and a technical feasibility study covering equipment, training needs and investment requirements.

What feedback did you receive from stakeholders (customers, suppliers etc.)?

We involved industry professionals, wholesalers, refurbishers, marketplaces and technical experts. More than twenty interviews were conducted to validate assumptions and market potential.

Impact & Outcomes

What are the main results and outcomes of the project for your company?

The study confirmed that refurbishing four key components (screens, chassis, motherboards, cameras) represents a strong economic opportunity.

Did you detect a positive impact of circular transition for your company and for the environment?

A refurbished smartphone generates 8 times less environmental impact than a new one and saves approximately 79kg of CO2 per device.

The motherboard refurbishment alone accounts for up to 40–50% of total CO2 savings compared to manufacturing new components.

The project also creates social impact by fostering highly skilled local jobs in micro-soldering and advanced technical repair.

Which changes have you already implemented?

As a result of the study, Ninety decided to focus initially on offering refurbishment services rather than selling spare parts directly, as this model proved more viable in the current market structure.

Investment in technical equipment and team training is planned as the next operational step.

Lessons learned

What key lessons did you learn regarding circular innovation?

We learned that circular innovation requires deep technical expertise and stable sourcing flows. Market structuring is still limited, and data availability remains a challenge. A key lesson is that partnerships and long-term sourcing agreements are essential for economic viability.

Did you encounter any challenges?

The main barriers were limited market data, difficulty accessing public institutions, and the informal nature of refurbished spare parts sourcing.

If you could do your project again, what would you do differently?

Technical skills such as advanced micro-soldering are scarce in France, which required additional investment planning.

Future plans & recommendations

What are your next steps towards circular transition?

For SMEs starting their circular transition, we recommend beginning with a feasibility study focused on technical viability and sourcing stability.

Is there any advice you would give to other SMEs looking to implement a circular project?

Avoid underestimating the importance of training and industrial process standardization.

How can policymakers or financial institutions better support businesses in adopting circular practices?

Policymakers can support SMEs through targeted grants for technical equipment, specialized training programs and stronger regulatory incentives for circular supply chains.

Do you have any additional comments or reflections about your participation in the Up2Circ project?

Participation in Up2Circ provided strategic clarity and strengthened Ninety’s positioning as a 100% circular player. The project validated the long-term profitability and environmental relevance of spare parts refurbishment in Europe.

The post Building a 100% circular spare parts chain for refurbished smartphones appeared first on up2circ.eu.

COMPANY NAME

NINETY

COUNTRY

France

SECTOR

Electronics Refurbishment

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

• Circular supply chain
• Product life extension
• Recovery and recycling

CHALLENGE

Most players in the smartphone refurbishment industry prioritize volume over impact, replacing defective parts with new ones imported overwhelmingly from China. In the French market, there are very few suppliers of refurbished or used spare parts — yet this is a critical link for establishing a 100% circular value chain. The supply of refurbished spare parts represents less than 1% of the total market offering, and the market is young and poorly structured. Ninety Two identified this gap as a strategic opportunity to build the first structured market for refurbished smartphone spare parts in France, reducing dependence on new imported parts and enabling a truly circular short-circuit value chain.

SOLUTION

Ninety conducted a comprehensive feasibility study — combining a market study, an impact study, and a technical feasibility study — to identify and validate a circular refurbishment model for smartphone spare parts.

The study identified four high-value spare parts for refurbishment: screens, chassis, motherboards, and camera modules. Rather than creating a sales market (too immature), the most viable and impactful model is to offer refurbishment services directly to wholesalers and professional partners who lack these technical capabilities.

This approach enables Ninety to leverage its existing network of professional partners (refurbishers, distributors, marketplaces) who continuously generate streams of defective but repairable smartphones. The refurbishment processes developed — including micro-soldering, optical calibration, and screen glass separation — are currently mastered by very few actors in France. The business plan confirms profitability from year one.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY STRATEGIES/BUSINESS MODELS IMPLEMENTED

• Product life extension: refurbishment of used spare parts (screens, chassis, motherboards, cameras) to restore them to original quality, avoiding the production of new components.

• Short-circuit supply chain: sourcing waste flows from existing professional partners, reducing dependence on imports from China and creating a local circular value chain.

• Resource efficiency: transforming end-of-life smartphone components into high-value spare parts, preserving rare and critical materials (copper, gold, tantalum, cobalt, platinum).

• Circular service model: offering refurbishment-as-a-service to wholesalers and repair networks, scaling an informal practice into a structured and profitable market.

• Skills development: building local technical expertise in advanced refurbishment techniques (micro-soldering, screen glass repair, optical calibration) currently mastered by fewer than 10 people in France!

IMPACT

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

• A refurbished smartphone generates 8 times less environmental impact than a new one, saving 79 kg of CO₂ per device (−87%).

• Screen refurbishment: 25–35% of total GHG savings of a new smartphone.

• Motherboard refurbishment: 40–50% of total GHG savings (highest impact — chip manufacturing).

• Chassis refurbishment: 10–15% of total GHG savings (avoids new metal/plastic production).

• Camera refurbishment: 5–10% of total GHG savings.

• Significant preservation of rare materials: gold, cobalt, tantalum, copper, platinum.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

• Business plan confirms profitability from year 1 of operations.

• Total project budget: 20,088.16 € (personnel + overhead), fully within budget — no deviations.

• Demand for refurbished spare parts is growing at double-digit rates, driven by economic imperatives and strong EU regulatory support (Right to Repair).

• Equipment investment required: approx. 64,005 € total across all four part types (screens: 45,465 €, chassis: 6,900 €, cameras: 5,820 €, motherboards: 5,720 €).

SOCIAL IMPACT

• Creation of local, skilled technical jobs in micro-soldering, screen repair, and optical calibration — skills currently scarce in France.

• Contribution to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through structured, qualified employment.

• Reduction of dependency on imported components, strengthening local value creation and a more resilient circular industrial ecosystem.

KEY TAKE AWAY

Ninety’s feasibility study demonstrates that refurbishing smartphone spare parts (screens, chassis, motherboards, cameras) is both technically viable and economically profitable from year one. The circular refurbishment service model — targeting wholesalers and professional repair networks — addresses a real, growing market gap in France, where supply of refurbished parts remains below 1% of the total market.

By transforming waste flows from its network of partners into high-value spare parts, Ninety creates a 100% circular, short-circuit value chain that delivers significant environmental savings (up to 87% CO₂ reduction per device), preserves critical raw materials, and creates skilled local jobs in advanced refurbishment techniques currently mastered by fewer than 10 people in France.

The next steps are: equipping the workshop with the necessary machinery, training teams in innovative refurbishment processes, and launching a pilot offer with an identified professional partner.

The post Circular supply chain for mobile electronic devices appeared first on up2circ.eu.

Date: 24/02/2026

Time (CTE): 9:30 to 11:00

Online Session (Microsoft Teams)

Workshop Summary

The transition from a linear to a circular economy is critical to addressing environmental challenges, moving away from a “take, make, dispose” model toward “closing the loop” systems—especially recovery and recycling models. This means creating circular systems in which products and materials are reused, repaired, remanufactured, or recycled into new products, minimizing waste by designing out pollution. It is a systemic approach to the economy designed to benefit businesses, society, and the environment. Companies are increasingly tapping into these opportunities by designing business models that generate value through recovery and recycling for multiple lifecycles.

Through this session, we aim to provide a clear vision of recovery and recycling. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about real projects developed by SMEs and to hear first-hand experiences from companies that have implemented more circular business models through recovery and recycling strategies.

In the final part of the session, you will be able to identify strategic partnerships to develop your project, as well as learn about training and funding opportunities that will help you implement actions related to the circular economy.

Programme:

Welcome & Introduction

Understanding Recovery & Recycling in the Circular Economy

• Definitions and distinctions: recovery vs recycling
• Examples of successful recovery and recycling strategies across industries

Sharing experiences & key learnings

Moderated group discussion:

• How to measure impact?
  • KPIs: recovery rates, recycled content, CO₂ savings
  • Tools: waste audits, digital tracking systems
• How to involve customers and stakeholders?
  • Incentive programs
  • Transparency and traceability
• Challenges and lessons learned from implementation

Recommendations for future action

• Partnering and advisory: Working with waste management partners, municipalities, NGOs / Leveraging innovation hubs and circular economy clusters
• Building internal capabilities: training and upskilling
• Funding opportunities: Cascade funding

Closing of the day

• Open Q&A

If you are interested in this session, please REGISTER HERE: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/ad900666-f5d7-498b-9068-cca2f5920145@329a6c12-af39-43e2-be9c-36dfc1f3d45d

Up2Circ Team

The post Closing the Loop – Strategies for effective Recovery and Recycling appeared first on up2circ.eu.

Across the series, you’ll explore key circular strategies—from recovery and recycling, circular product design, and extending product life, to product-as-a-service models, sustainability communication, and the sharing economy. Each session features real-life SME case studies, practical insights, and opportunities to connect with partners and training providers.

Upcoming Webinars

• Closing the Loop – Strategies for Effective Recovery and Recycling
  24 February, 9:30–11:30 (CET)
  Register here
• Designing for Circularity – Practical Strategies for Impactful Circular Product Design
  10 April, 10:30-12:00 (CET)
  Register here
• Extending Product Life – Strategies for Longevity and Circular Value
  18 June, 10:00-11:45 (CET)
  Register here
• Product as a Service – Enabling Circularity through Servitization
  15 September, 9:30-11:00 (CET)
  Register here
• Communicating Circularity – Strategies for Authentic and Impactful Sustainability Messaging
  27 October, 9:30-11:00 (CET)
  Register here
• Sharing Economy – Unlocking Circular Value through Access and Collaboration
  5 November
  Register here

Choose the sessions most relevant to your business-or join them all-and start building your circular strategy with confidence.

The post Join our interactive webinar series: Practical Circular Economy Strategies for SMEs appeared first on up2circ.eu.

Company and project background

Can you give us a brief overview of your business and the specific project you implemented?

The problem of ocean plastic really appeared on our agenda in 2018, when we started with beach clean-ups. However, we quickly realised that this was a drop in the ocean and that the problem was systemic in nature, requiring a systemic solution. Two years later, we officially launched our initiative and began building a global supply chain programme focused on collecting and processing marine and ocean-bound plastic.

As we worked on this supply chain approach, it became increasingly clear that a significant share of the material – often estimated at around 70% – is not recycled in practice. This is not primarily due to a lack of willingness, but because these material streams are economically unattractive or technically difficult to process within existing recycling systems. This insight marked a turning point for us and led us to think beyond conventional recycling pathways.

In this context, we connected with our Swiss engineering partner, MeSentia, and initiated a joint development project aimed at addressing exactly this gap: how contaminated and low-value marine plastic could be processed in a technically robust and energy-efficient way. The recycling machine and process were therefore developed collaboratively, combining engineering expertise with practical insights from global material streams. Our goal is to bring this low-energy recycling approach to market.

In general, we are not a company that demonises plastic. For certain applications, plastic is a highly functional and useful material. The issue is not the material itself, but rather the scale and structure of its production and consumption, which have led to a massive waste problem that urgently needs to be addressed. We are fully aware that we cannot solve this alone, but we believe we can make a meaningful contribution.

As our work progressed, we also realised that developing a recycling machine alone would not be sufficient. We therefore expanded our approach to include a platform that integrates environmental data, material specifications and communication aspects. With the support of an experienced advisor from BlueInvest, we were introduced to the EU-funded Up2Circ programme. Within this framework, we identified logistics pallets as a promising niche application and addressed a central question: how can pallets be effectively returned and recycled in practice? This question was explored in depth during the six-month project. The results provided valuable insights and enabled us to develop a concrete concept for implementation, particularly with regard to logistics and infrastructure. Based on these findings, we are now preparing the next steps, including further scientific validation together with academic partners such as the Technical University of Hamburg and the Technical University of Magdeburg in subsequent project phases.

What motivated you to make your business more circular?

We are essentially dealing with two main markets: on the one hand, recyclers who have far too many plastic mixtures in stock and are struggling to find the right buyers for them. And then there are the manufacturers who have a lot of internal production waste and would like to put this waste back on the market instead of having to dispose of it. The question is, what do we do with this knowledge and what can we bring to the table ourselves? Lightweight, high-quality pallets. That is our contribution.

Many pallets are still made of wood, which is increasingly viewed critically, but not critically enough. Depending on how pallets are used in practice, the CO₂ bound in this wood is often only stored for a relatively short period – sometimes just a few months and rarely more than a few years – before damaged pallets are downcycled. With another material, such as plastic waste, it’s a different story. The material – plastic – is there, and we have the opportunity to circulate it much more often. We just aren’t exploiting this potential yet.

Implementation process

What were the main objectives of your feasibility study?

The project “W2P Loop: Closed-Loop Reverse Logistics System for Sustainable Pallets” assessed the feasibility of implementing a circular return system in logistics. The special environmental value is added by using our patented Waste-to-Product technology, which upcycles complex, economically unrecyclable plastic waste from the ocean into lightweight, high-performance composite pallets, primarily applied to logistics load carriers. The outcome was a decision-ready feasibility study defining viable return-system architectures, success metrics, and a go/no-go framework for future pilot implementation and scaling. This is where we are right now. The analyses showed that using our pallets made from recycled plastic, saves around 20,000 tonnes of CO2 per year compared to wooden pallets. This is mainly because they are lighter and can be used for much longer. Our production process enables us to avoid and/or recycle at least 8,000 tonnes of waste per year, and our decentralised system also contributes to greater energy efficiency.

What activities did you carry out during your project?

Our main focus was about collecting information about a structured mechanism to retrieve the products after use. Otherwise the circular potential of the material cannot be realised. The project focused on evaluating economic, technological, environmental, and regulatory feasibility of a closed-loop return system enabling reuse, traceability, and end-of-life material recovery. We validated hybrid circular business models combining service-based return logic, digital traceability, and controlled end-of-use recovery. Planned activities included market and system scoping, technology assessment, economic and environmental modelling, business model validation, regulatory fit analysis, and consolidation into a decision framework. We experienced a high stakeholder interest in circular solutions, especially among FMCG brands and logistics providers, but acceptance depends on practical incentive models. For us, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity: to create a return mechanism ensuring that Waste to Product pallets remain within the circular system and return for re-processing, closing the material loop. In the end we found a good solutions that integrates all demands.

What feedback did you receive from stakeholders (customers, suppliers etc.)?

We We interviewed both a partner company and a customer as part of the project. Initially, we had planned to conduct up to five interviews, but the responses we received were highly consistent, which allowed us to focus on these two in more depth. Overall, the feedback was very encouraging and, in some respects, even surprising. Many of the companies we spoke with had already been thinking intensively about pallets and recycling, largely due to new packaging and waste-related regulations coming into force in Europe. Disposal is increasingly no longer seen as a viable option, which significantly lowered the barrier for discussing circular pallet solutions. In general, there was a strong openness towards our approach, particularly among companies with high volumes of production waste and a willingness to switch to alternative pallet systems, provided these solutions are implemented in a genuinely circular way.

Based on this feedback, we refined our platform concept. At an early stage, we considered two possible approaches to involving companies in the pallet system: a traditional deposit system or the use of incentives. Through the interviews, it became clear that a deposit system would create unnecessary administrative complexity and was therefore not attractive for most customers. At the same time, we learned that additional incentives were not required, as the value proposition itself was already compelling for potential users.

As a result, we positioned ourselves less as an incentive-driven platform and more as a service provider that enables circular pallet flows. This shift in perspective led us to explore the concept of a virtual credit system, which could be applied to future orders and support long-term participation without adding administrative burden.

Impact & Outcomes

What were the main results and outcomes of the project for your company?

The key findings for us were answers to three central questions: what customers need in order to work with us, under which conditions the model pays off, and how a strategy for introducing the platform to the European market could look. If we then want to implement this globally, it will of course need to be adjusted. However, we will not be starting from scratch. The Up2Circ results therefore lay the foundation for insights that we can scale later.

To be more specific, we now have a first, model-based understanding of the return rate of our pallets, as this is essential for the business model. This data increases overall predictability and therefore improves the robustness of the business model. In addition, based on return flows and transport savings, we can estimate a system-level improvement in energy efficiency of around 30%. For the recycling machine itself, these assumptions will have to be confirmed once the machine has been built and commissioned, as this cannot be validated at this stage.

Compared to conventional pallet systems, including wood-based pallets, our pallets made from recycled marine plastic show significant savings potential. Preliminary assessments based on weight and logistics considerations indicate that energy demand could be several times lower. These estimates are derived from scenario modelling and will be further refined and validated in future pilot phases.

Have you already implemented any changes?

Since the project was primarily aimed at gathering and validating knowledge, we have not yet implemented any concrete changes during these six months. However, we now have a clear understanding of the steps required and are planning the implementation of our platform based on the project results. The platform is expected to be ready within the next six months. If development continues as planned, the recycling machine is expected to be completed and ready for commissioning within the next 12 to 15 months.

Lessons learned

What key lessons did you learn regarding circular innovation?

Our experience in this field has taught us that, in the circular economy, the same thing does not always have to be created from the same thing. That was my initial assumption: how can a dirty plastic bottle be turned into a new, clean plastic bottle? While this is certainly desirable, it is not always as effective as it may seem at first glance. Such approaches can result in very limited and narrow product cycles.

What helped us was broadening our perspective and clarifying what we are actually trying to achieve: keeping materials in use. This does not necessarily mean that materials always have to be used in exactly the same way. Plastic from a drinking bottle, for example, could be used as packaging in its next life. From our perspective, the sustainability of the business model needs to be considered from the very beginning. Thinking about which material cycles exist, how large they can be, and which applications certain materials are best suited for is part of the innovation itself.

For those who are new to this type of business, the complexity of circular systems can be overwhelming at times. What helped us was to view the project as a long-term vision rather than a single, clearly defined milestone. A balance between flexibility and structure proved to be essential. Perhaps this insight can also support other entrepreneurs who are considering entering the circular economy.

Did you encounter any challenges?

Overall financing is naturally challenging in mechanical engineering. Significant upfront investments in time and capital are required, and the right expertise needs to be brought on board early on. This is an inherent part of developing industrial technologies.

In addition, the recycling industry across Europe is currently facing a difficult situation, partly due to a lack of effective incentives for cross-sector cooperation. On a more positive note, however, the European Packaging Regulation has clearly supported our approach and opened up new opportunities by increasing awareness and demand for circular solutions.

Future plans & recommendations

What are your next steps towards circular transition?

We are highly motivated to further build on the opportunities offered by the circular economy and to implement additional elements step by step. In particular, we are focusing on improving return rates, as they are a key lever for both economic viability and environmental performance. At the same time, we are exploring partnerships along the value chain that can support more efficient return logistics and regional implementation, while continuously refining our platform-based service approach.

Is there any advice you would give to other SMEs looking to adopt a circular business model?

As an entrepreneur, you should always focus on the product first. In theory, almost everything can be recycled, but there are ways to make this much easier in practice, starting with thoughtful product design. Many future challenges can already be avoided at this stage.

Separately, it is equally important to look at packaging. Here, a very simple question can be helpful: do we even need this packaging, or can we do without it?

At the same time, I am aware that different sectors face very different constraints and challenges, and I do not want to lecture anyone. Rather, this perspective is meant to encourage early and honest reflection on both product and packaging choices.

How can policymakers or financial institutions better support businesses in adopting circular practices?

There are many fees and compliance-related costs associated with sustainability measures that, in practice, can sometimes have unintended negative effects. In our view, such mechanisms could be designed and applied in a more targeted and effective way. A more detailed discussion would go beyond the scope of this article.

At the same time, I believe it is both good and important that green claim regulations exist, as they create greater transparency and trust. However, it is also a reality that for some companies, non-compliance can become a calculated risk, as penalties may appear less burdensome than the effort required to fully comply. Ultimately, this becomes an economic calculation. If adjustments were made to better reward cooperation with innovative companies and practical implementation efforts, this could significantly strengthen the sustainability ecosystem. Continuously postponing action to 2030, 2040 or 2050 risks shifting the problem further into the future and weakening innovation and market development, for example in the recycling sector. We want to and we can act now. The innovations and the will are there.

Do you have any additional comments or reflections about your participation in the Up2Circ project?

Up2Circ is a very powerful programme that has also given me a great deal of personal insight and learning. This was in particular due to the assessment at the very beginning, which allowed me to put everything on the table again and critically reflect on our own company and approach.

In addition, the combination with the Enterprise Europe Network and the resulting connections to other companies has been extremely valuable and continues to be so.

Thank you for your time and contribution!

The post W2P Loop – Upcycling of ocean plastic to pallets used in logistics appeared first on up2circ.eu.

COMPANY NAME

Elementarhy GmbH

COUNTRY

Germany

SECTOR

Energy

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

• Product as a service

CHALLENGE

The generation of green hydrogen strongly depends on the availability of certain technologies and related resources. The Membrane Electrode Assembly (MEA)—the heart of electrolyzers—depends in large parts on iridium, a rare and expensive metal sourced mostly from Russia and South Africa. This creates supply risks and high costs, slowing down Europe’s clean energy transition.

Besides, MEAs are not only expensive but also difficult to recycle. Currently, when an MEA reaches the end of its life, it’s often burned to recover just the iridium, wasting other valuable materials and creating unnecessary waste. elementarhy is changing this by introducing a circular approach: they take back used MEAs from customers, refurbish them, and recycle the materials. This not only extends the life of each MEA but also recovers precious resources, reducing waste and lowering environmental impact.

SOLUTIONS

CIRCULAR ECONOMY STRATEGIES

The feasibility study evaluated the implementation of a circular MEA-as-a-Service concept for PEM water electrolysers. The results demonstrate relevance and feasibility across circularity, desirability, technical/operational feasibility, and financial viability under current market conditions.

Material flow analysis showed that reducing iridium input at production (“narrowing”) and enabling recovery at end-of-life (“closing”) significantly lowers dependence on primary critical raw materials. Based on recycling process assessments, iridium recovery rates substantially above current practice (~20%) are technically achievable at scale. In-house evaluation of titanium PTL reuse demonstrated compatibility with cleaning and re-coating, supporting component reuse (“slowing”).
Overall, the study confirms that the MEA-as-a-Service model provides a practical pathway to transition MEA production and use toward a circular economy.

IMPACT

Environmental impact
emissions, and decreases waste generation. Reuse and recycling contribute to improved resource efficiency and reduced environmental footprint. From a social perspective, the approach supports European supply security, reduces exposure to hazardous materials, and contributes to more resilient hydrogen value chains. The study confirmed that MEAs represent a high-impact leverage point for circularity in PEM electrolysis due to their material intensity and cost contribution. The assessed MEA concept combines ultra-low iridium loading (<0.1 mg Ir cm⁻²) with defined take-back, remanufacturing, and recycling pathways.

Economic impact
Our research shows that by recovering valuable materials and reusing components, we can actually balance out the costs of servicing MEAs, especially as the technology scales up. What’s more, by using less iridium upfront and recycling it at the end of an MEA’s life, we significantly cut the total cost of materials over time.

But it’s not just about the numbers—customers find the idea appealing. They particularly like a model where everything—from supplying the MEA to maintenance and recycling—is bundled into a simple service contract. This approach doesn’t just make financial sense, especially when material prices fluctuate, it also makes life easier for customers by taking the guesswork out of maintenance and disposal.

The feedback has been clear: when our circular MEAs perform just as well as traditional ones, customers are eager to make the switch. The MEA-as-a-Service model stands out because it protects customers from unpredictable costs, reduces their maintenance burden, and handles end-of-life recycling seamlessly.

KEY TAKEAWAY

The study showed that we are on a promising track developing a circular MEA-as-a-Service concept. Even though some economically and infrastructural remain, we will continue developing our business model step-by-step in a circular direction.

The post ERHYME: Enhancing Renewable HYdrogen with a Circular MEA Economy appeared first on up2circ.eu.

COMPANY NAME

ALHOMNA SYSTEMS

COUNTRY

France

SECTOR

Energy

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

• Circular supply chain
• Product as a service
• Recovery and recycling

CHALLENGE

Sludge and digestate management is one of the most energy-intensive and carbon-heavy stages of wastewater treatment plants and anaerobic digestion facilities.

Public operational data (ADEME, ASTEE) identify sludge treatment, and especially thermal drying as the most energy-demanding post-treatment step, requiring several hundred kWh per tonne of dry matter and, in some configurations, representing a major share of site energy consumption.

In parallel, digestate from biogas plants remains highly diluted, leading to costly transport, high CO₂ emissions, and low nutrient concentration per transported tonne. These constraints highlight the need for low-carbon dehydration solutions able to drastically reduce water content, concentrate nutrients, recover water, and lower energy and transport footprints

SOLUTIONS

CIRCULAR ECONOMY STRATEGIES/BUSINESS MODEL IMPLEMENTED

SolarDry applies a circular economy strategy focused on local resource recovery, material concentration and operational efficiency, following a combined “narrow and loop” approach.

By drastically reducing water content, the system limits sludge and digestate volumes, reducing transport needs and associated emissions while producing highly concentrated dry matter. After appropriate testing and validation, this dried material can be valorised as an organic fertilizer, used as a complement or alternative to chemically produced inputs, or blended with other natural streams such as compost or biochar to create marketable formulations.

Evaporated water is recovered, condensed and reused locally. Depending on quality requirements and validation, this water can be used for on-site cleaning operations, irrigation, or reintegrated into the wastewater treatment process, either upstream or within the treatment line, contributing to increased hydraulic performance (treated volumes) and improved resource efficiency.

From a business perspective, SolarDry enables decentralized, on-site treatment, transforming sludge and digestate from a disposal cost into a circular value stream, through flexible deployment models adapted to wastewater treatment plants, anaerobic digestion sites and agro-industrial facilities.

IMPACT

Environmental impact
Transport reduction: for the same amount of dry solids, increasing Dry Material from 21% → 60% reduces transported wet mass from 1.00 t to ~0.35 t, i.e. ~65% less mass to haul.

CO₂ from transport: using EU-certified truck emission intensities (VECTO), around 52 gCO₂ per tonne-km, this translates into ~3–4 kgCO₂ avoided per tonne of sludge per 100 km of transport (distance-dependent).

Water recovered: the same step (21% → 60% DM) corresponds to ~650 L of water removed and recovered per tonne of sludge treated (as condensate), enabling local reuse after validation.

Fertiliser substitution (working hypothesis)

At 60% dry matter, sludge processed with SolarDry concentrates most of its agronomic value in the solid fraction. Based on average nutrient contents reported in the literature (≈40–50 kg N/tDM and ≈25–35 kg P₂O₅/tDM) and conservative agronomic substitution coefficients, one tonne of dried sludge can substitute approximately 20–25 kg of mineral nitrogen and 20–30 kg of mineral phosphorus (as P₂O₅).

Considering published life-cycle reference values for mineral fertiliser production (~9.2–11.2 kgCO₂e per kg of mineral N, and ~1–3 kgCO₂e per kg of P₂O₅), this substitution represents an avoided impact of approximately 200–300 kgCO₂e per tonne of dried sludge produced by SolarDry, linked to avoided mineral fertiliser manufacturing, subject to nutrient analysis and regulatory compliance.

Economic impact
Logistics: ~65% less transported mass typically drives major reductions in transport costs and operational constraints (fewer trips / lower volumes).

Storage & flexibility: hygienised, stabilised dried matter becomes storable and easier to route to the best outlet (timing and logistics). Potential valorisation (work hypothesis): after regulatory compliance and quality testing, dried solids can be blended into formulations (e.g., with compost/biochar or high-potency organic additives) to support partial substitution of mineral fertilisers.

Mineral nitrogen fertiliser production has a high embedded footprint, with reference values reported in the order of several tCO₂e per tonne of nitrogen for common products.

Social impact

By producing a drier and hygienised material, SolarDry reduces odour emissions, handling constraints and sanitary exposure compared to wet sludge managed at ~21% dry matter. On-site dehydration significantly lowers transport volumes and truck traffic, contributing to reduced nuisance (noise, odours, congestion) for communities located near wastewater treatment plants and digestion facilities. Overall, SolarDry supports more acceptable, resilient and locally managed sludge treatment practices, subject to regulatory validation.

KEY TAKEAWAY

SolarDry demonstrates how solar thermal concentration can transform sludge and digestate management by reducing transport, energy use and emissions while turning a costly by-product into a concentrated, storable and potentially valuable resource. By combining proven evaporation principles with renewable energy, the project highlights a scalable pathway toward more efficient, circular and locally acceptable waste management systems.

The post SolarDry : Solar-Powered Sludge Dehydration System appeared first on up2circ.eu.

COMPANY NAME

Cafés du sud

COUNTRY

France

SECTOR

Food and beverage

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

Sustainable agriculture, Waste-to-Value, Regenerative agriculture

CHALLENGE

Every year, millions of tonnes of coffee grounds end up in landfills worldwide. At Cafés du Sud, a specialty coffee roaster in the south of France, they saw this as both a problem and an opportunity. They collect nearly 4 tonnes of coffee waste annually from their office clients—wet, organic material that was simply being thrown away. Meanwhile, local farmers struggle with drought, poor soil quality, and declining harvests. What if they could turn one problem into a solution for the other?

SOLUTIONS

They transform spent coffee grounds into biochar—a carbon-rich soil amendment that helps plants thrive while locking away CO₂ for centuries. The process is straightforward: collect coffee waste from offices, dry it efficiently, then convert it into biochar through controlled heating. The result? A valuable product that local vineyard owners, olive growers, and vegetable farmers are eager to use.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY STRATEGIES/BUSINESS MODELS IMPLEMENTED

The approach applies four key circular economy strategies:

Narrow – Less waste through better collection and processing

Slow – More value by turning short-lived waste into long-lasting soil carbon

Close – Returning nutrients from city to farm, completing the cycle

Regenerate – Improving soil health, water retention, and climate resilience

IMPACT

For the Planet
✓ 80% of coffee waste diverted from landfill
✓ Up to 350 kg of CO₂ stored per tonne of coffee waste processed
✓ Solar-powered potential: 30-60% renewable energy use

For the Economy
✓ Farmers willing to pay €300-700 per tonne of biochar
✓ New revenue stream from waste that used to cost money to dispose
✓ Replicable model for other food businesses

For the Community
✓ Creating new local jobs as we scale
✓ 25 farmers already engaged through university partnership
✓ Building bridges between urban businesses and rural agriculture

KEY TAKE AWAY

Small businesses can make a big difference. The coffee-to-biochar journey proves that circular economy isn’t just for large corporations—it’s an opportunity for any company willing to look at waste differently. The support from Up2Circ gave the structure to turn an idea into a validated business model. Now they are ready to scale: the pilot is approved and farmers are waiting. Organic waste might just be someone else’s treasure.

The post Transforming coffee waste into Biochar for sustainable agriculture appeared first on up2circ.eu.

This French company dismantles plush toys and recycles the materials to produce original new products.

COMPANY NAME

R-TEDDY

COUNTRY

FRANCE

SECTOR

Industry

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

Collect used plush toys, sell products made with material from dismantling plush toys.

CHALLENGE

Every year in France, people throw more than 5 500 tonnes of plush toys and there’s no recycling solution. Existing collectors (Emmaüs, Le Relais..) don’t know what to do with these plush toys and are waiting for solutions.

R-Teddy was created in order to fill in the recycling gap in France.

The objective is to dismantle the plush toys and to recycle the materials to produce original new products.

This project is not only a circular economy project but has also a social dimension. The plush toys are indeed sorted and dismantled by workers with disabilities or through professional integration.

SOLUTION

R-TEDDY sells brown, red and pink plush toy skins and stuffing to produce acoustic correction panels and decorative objects for children rooms.

IMPACT

Environmental impact
Recycle 4 tonnes in 2024, 8 tonnes in 2025. Target in 2034: recycle 50% of the 5 500 tonnes that are currently incinerated in France.

Economic impact
Generate jobs for disabled adults and people from integration projects.

Social impact
3 partners (professional integration associations and workshop for disabled adults) to sort and dismantle the plush toys

KEY TAKEAWAY

The sales of decoration objects and stuffing and plush skins for acoustic panels are off to a good start.
The company must act on several improvement points:

• Work to find other solutions for the other colours of plush toys.

• Increase the productivity of dismantling plush toys, witha cutting machine.

• Reduce the transport costs and carbon emissions buying a suitable press machine

• Enhance the partnership with the help centre for disabled adults by installing our workshop in their premises

• Work to find other solutions for the other colours of plush toys.

The post When soft toys are transformed into soundproofing panels or children’s bedroom decorations appeared first on up2circ.eu.

COMPANY NAME

Green Business and Consulting Company (GBCC)

COUNTRY

France

SECTOR

Biodegradable and biobased polymers

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODEL

• Recycling polymers
• LCA and ecodesign analysis

CHALLENGE

The CompoBioStretch Film (CBSF) project, developed by Green Business and Consulting Company (GBCC), tackled major industrial limitations in producing a compostable stretch film with unique tack/retack properties. Initial manufacturing generated over 25% waste due to in-line separation difficulties of double‑wound films and incompatibility of scraps with conventional recycling.

 The project aims to decrease the waste level globally and reintegrate a minimum of 25 % of recycled product (Recy-CBSF).

SOLUTIONS

The project confirmed that production scraps from CBSF can be efficiently recycled into Recy-CBSF granules via industrial twin-screw extrusion, without significant loss of mechanical or functional properties. LCA demonstrated a 10% reduction in total environmental impact when replacing 14% virgin material with recycled content.

CIRCULAR ECONOMY STRATEGIES/BUSINESS MODEL IMPLEMENTED

The project directly supports GBCC’s transition to a closed-loop production model by :

– Valorizing 95% of production waste into secondary raw material.
– Reducing virgin resource demand by 14%.
– Decreasing waste sent to external recyclers or disposal by 15%.
– Aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption & Production) by reducing waste and improving resource efficiency.
– Aligning with SDG 13 (Climate Action) through measurable reduction in GHG emissions from raw material production.

IMPACT

Environmental impact
– Valorizing 95% of production waste into secondary raw material.
– Reducing virgin resource demand by 14%.

Economic impact
– The improved CBSF with recycled content meets industrial mechanical and functional standards, removing a previous barrier to commercial adoption.
– Food and logistics sectors show growing demand for certified compostable stretch films, especially where circularity and waste reduction are valued.
– Pilot customers have expressed interest in LCA-verified products as part of sustainability reporting and procurement strategies.

Social impact
– Jobs maintained and expertise developed in France and EU

KEY TAKEAWAY

The Up2Circ project enabled CBSF to transition from an economically challenged product to a technically and environmentally improved compostable film. By integrating recycled material, solving additive migration issues, and validating multiple processing routes, GBCC has secured both cost savings and environmental gains.

The post The CompoBioStretch Film project : producing compostable stretch film appeared first on up2circ.eu.