Grant Map EU

Our current, linear way of producing and consuming products is ruining fragile ecosystems, causing the loss of valuable natural resources. CE brings more sustainable solutions where products are in use longer and materials are reused to manufacture new products. Today’s dominating economic model is linear: We take virgin natural resources and make products from them which we then discard once we’re done using them — often after a relatively short time. Sometimes the short lifespan is due to planned obsolescence where products break easily and are difficult to repair and upgrade. Linear consumption is reaching its limits. CE has benefits that are operational as well as strategic, on both a micro- and macroeconomic level. The aim of the project is to exchange experience and test solutions leading to the strengthening of CE in South Baltic urban areas. In the course of the project, a preliminary diagnosis will be made, identifying potential areas of action to strengthen CE and possible challenges for their implementation. The initial diagnosis will be used to develop a research and implementation plan for the project to test different solutions to stimulate CE in the specific locations of the partner cities invited to the project. CE enable to make the most of the material resources available to us by applying three basic principles: reduce, reuse and recycle. In this way, the life cycle of products is extended, waste is used and a more efficient and sustainable production model is established over time. The idea arises from imitating nature, where everything has value and everything is used, where waste becomes a new resource. In this way, the balance between progress and sustainability is maintained. Therefore the transition to a CE is still one of the most important transformations in society. It involves rethinking our production processes and value chains, as well as new business models built on collaborative ecosystems, thus need more collaboration and funding.