May 2025

Second Issue of the CircSyst Newsletter

Dear Partners and Stakeholders,

We are excited to welcome you to the second edition of the CircSyst newsletter!

As we embark on this 36-month journey, we aim to provide you with regular updates on our progress and the exciting developments within the project. CircSyst brings together 32 partners from nine European countries, with the shared goal of advancing circular economy practices through large-scale pilot systems in Water Management, Biowaste, and Plastics and Packaging. This initiative is aligned with the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI), and we are committed to bridging knowledge gaps and fostering cross-sector collaboration to accelerate the transition to a sustainable circular economy.

As CircSyst continues to engage stakeholders and contribute to Europe’s circular transition, our partners have been actively participating in a variety of events across the continent. This issue highlights key moments from conferences, fairs, and webinars where CircSyst’s goals, insights, and experiences were shared with diverse audiences - from the agri-food sector to the plastics and packaging industries.

These events provided opportunities to discuss the challenges and future directions of sustainable packaging, explore synergies with other EU-funded projects, and increase visibility for the CircSyst mission. Whether through expert panels, public exhibitions, or technical visits, our community is working together to inspire systemic change and foster collaboration on a European scale.
These stories reflect CircSyst’s growing impact and the collaborative spirit of our consortium.

We hope you enjoy reading and stay connected

for more updates from across the CircSyst network!

Here you will find the latest news about the project.

NEWS

From Strategy to Action: CircSyst and Circular Systemic Solutions

at AGRA 2024

Author: Barbara Štuhec, Field Consultant, RDAPM

On 28 August 2024, the Slovenian consortium partner of the Circsyst project - Regional Development Agency for Podravje – Maribor (RDAPM), hosted a consultation workshop with key regional stakeholders during the International Fair of Agriculture and Food (AGRA 2024) in Gornja Radgona, Slovenia. The workshop gathered 22 experts representing 13 key stakeholder organizations, each offering valuable insights and perspectives on the implementation of Circular Systemic Solutions (CSSs) outlined in the Regional Strategy for the Transition to a Circular Bioeconomy in the Podravje Region.

Masoutis, Demonstrator Partner of the CircSyst Project, participated in a Sustainability Discussion in the Agri-Food Sector at the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF)

Author: Stelios Vafeiadis and Stefanos Tsachouridis, Masoutis

As part of its mission to promote circular solutions in the agri-food sector, the CircSyst project was represented at the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair during a high-level panel discussion on sustainability and supply chain development. Through the participation of Masoutis S.A., CircSyst’s efforts in reducing plastic waste in food packaging and engaging consumers as active players in the circular economy were showcased. The event served as a platform for exchanging best practices, raising awareness, and reinforcing the project's commitment to sustainable innovation in collaboration with industry stakeholders.

CircSyst at the 12th Horizon Europe Conference in Oviedo

Author: Pepi Galvañ, Project Manager, AIJU, Innovative Materials and Manufacturing Area

On 28 November 2024, the 12th Conference on the European Union’s Research and Innovation Framework Programme took place in Oviedo, offering a platform to assess Horizon Europe’s progress and future direction. Spain’s strong participation in the programme can be expected to generate significant social, environmental, and economic benefits. The CircSyst project was featured through a dedicated poster, highlighting its objectives and synergies among its nine demonstrators. The event also fostered discussions on the upcoming 2028-2034 Framework Programme, shaping the future of European research and innovation.

Current Panorama and Challenges of the Plastics Sector Conference in Murcia

Author: Pepi Galvañ, Project Manager, AIJU, Innovative Materials and Manufacturing Area

Lead Partner of CircSyst, AIJU, presented the project at the Plastics Sector Conference in Murcia.
The “Current Panorama and Challenges of the Plastics Sector” conference, held in Murcia on 26 November 2024, brought together experts to discuss sustainability, digitalisation, and innovation in the plastics industry. AIJU showcased advances from CircSyst and other R&D projects focused on recyclable, environmentally interactive materials and skills development for a circular economy. The event highlighted the role of collaboration in transforming the sector through innovation, legislation, and emerging technologies.

What and How Should We Pack in the Future?

Successful Webinar on new EU Packaging Regulations

Author: Lili Schweitzer, International Project Officer, MGFÜ

On February 5, 2025, CircSyst Project Partners MGFÜ and Ugrinpack-ErdÅ‘si Ltd, in cooperation with South Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency hosted a joint webinar where they introduced CircSyst and CIREVALC projects helping packaging industry stakeholders prepare for major EU regulatory changes. Experts presented three key upcoming policies - PPWR Regulation, Green Claims Directive and Ecodesign Regulation - which will reshape packaging practices starting in 2026. The successful event drew strong engagement and highlighted both the challenges and opportunities ahead in transitioning to sustainable, circular packaging systems.

Visit to the GUARDIAN project: a meeting of European projects in search of synergies

Author: Ángel Marcos Vicente,
Processes Management & Sustainability Technician, AIDIMME

On February 26th, the CircSyst Demo 1 team visited the GUARDIAN project facilities in Riba-roja de Túria (Valencia, Spain) to exchange knowledge and strengthen cooperation. Developed between 2019 and 2022, GUARDIAN focused on fire resilience, using reclaimed water for preventive irrigation and implementing green fire protection barriers. Hidraqua shared insights on the construction and challenges of its water treatment unit, similar to the one planned for CircSyst Demo 1, led by AIDIMME. This visit will help optimise implementation strategies, ensuring greater efficiency during the project.

How Regions and Cities Can Lead the Transition:

Insights from an EPC Event

Author: Cristina Sanz Rutherford, Policy and Project Officer, EURADA

On 11 March 2025, CircSyst attended the EPC event on circular economy in regions and cities, where policymakers, industry leaders, and financial experts discussed key regulatory and investment developments. The event underscored the role of cities and regions in driving circularity, the upcoming Circular Economy Act, and the need to scale successful local initiatives. Speakers highlighted financing challenges, strategic autonomy, and the importance of aligning circular policies with economic and social priorities.

Author: Cristina Sanz Rutherford , Policy and Project Officer, EURADA


The transition to a circular economy is more urgent than ever. With resource consumption expected to double in the next four decades and waste generation rising, there is a pressing need for collaboration and knowledge exchange to drive systemic change.

The CircSyst Community of Practice (CoP) aims to bring together policymakers, researchers, businesses, and industry leaders to co-create and scale innovative Circular Systemic Solutions (CSS) in three priority areas: plastics and packaging, bio-waste, and water management.

International Events relevant to

CircSyst's Topics

  • CircSyst General Assembly & AER General Assembly, 40th AER Anniversary, 17 June 2025 Podravje-Maribor, Slovenia
  • CircSyst General Assembly, 18 June 2025 Maribor, Slovenia
  • Go Circular Summit 2025, 10 June 2025 Rotterdam, Netherlands
  • Waste Management Europe 2025, 10-12 June, 2025 Bologna, Italy
  • 8th International Conference on Recycling & Waste Management, 16-17 June 2025 Rome, Italy
  • Environmental Services & Solutions Expo, 17-18 September 2025 Birmingham, UK
  • Ecomondo 2025 – The Green Technology Expo, 4-7 November 2025, Rimini, Italyndo.com+11en.ecomondo.com+11

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The CircSyst project is funded by the European Union in the framework of Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under
Grant Agreement N. 101135505
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