The circular economy is a model of production and consumption that involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible. In practice, and as established by the European Parliament, it involves reducing waste to a minimum.  In a circular economy, materials move through technical and biological cycles. While the technical cycle aims to extend the useful life of non-biodegradable materials, promoting repair, reuse and recycling, the biological cycle returns biodegradable materials to the environment, allowing them to decompose and thus enrich natural systems.

External and inter-TIG collaboration

This is essential to contribute to a sustainable future through collaboration between members within the interdisciplinary framework of the STARS EU initiative. -Participate in joint research and education projects, share knowledge and best practices, and collaborate in active mobility programs for staff and students. -Work closely with stakeholders to facilitate the exchange of experiences, technologies and methods, promoting circular economy practices in the industrial, academic and social sectors.

Bio-based economy

Reducing environmental impact by prioritizing sustainable bio-based raw materials, including natural ingredients and biodegradable polymers – those that break down without harming the environment – that support ecosystem regeneration. Ultimately, the bioeconomy represents a transition to a more sustainable and resilient economic model that balances growth with ecological health, resource conservation, and biodiversity.

Technical versus biological cycles

Addressing biological and technical cycles, two fundamental components of a circular economy with a distinct approach and strategies for resource management. By understanding and leveraging the strengths of both cycles, industries can work towards a more sustainable and resilient future in which materials are reused, regenerated, and returned to the environment. In this way, economic growth and ecological health are supported.

Industrial symbiosis

Foster cross-sectoral partnerships in which by-products from one sector serve as valuable resources for another, increasing efficiency and reducing waste. Industrial symbiosis shows how collaborative efforts can foster sustainable practices, optimizing resource efficiency and driving innovation and economic growth. By using waste as a resource, industries can move towards a more sustainable future and uphold the principles of a circular economy.

Design for circularity

Design products for durability, repairability, new future life as new components, and minimization of waste, decreasing reliance on virgin materials and promoting resource efficiency throughout the product lifecycle, which is assessed through life cycle analysis (LCA). This will support a sustainable circular economy, by minimising environmental impacts from production to end-of-life.

Digital Innovation

Integrate digital technologies such as IoT, blockchain, and AI to enable effective tracking of resources. These digital tools can support waste reduction, efficient recycling and material tracking throughout product lifecycles, driving circular economy goals that help industries achieve sustainability, minimise environmental impact and create value through more responsible use of resources.

Leader

Maria Filomena Barreiro(barreiro@ipb.pt)

Co-Leader

Katarzyna Matras-Postolek(n.r.faber@pl.hanze.nl)