K-Flex Polska Sp. z o.o., Poland

Łódzkie, Stereá Elláda, Região do Norte, Friesland

FRONTSH1P aims at ensuring the green and just transition of the Polish Łódzkie Region towards decarbonisation and territorial regeneration through demonstration at TRL7 of highly replicable regenerative circular systemic models and solutions that address the current challenges and needs of the region, transforming them into opportunities for economic growth, social inclusion, decarbonisation of systems of production and consumption, improvement of the quality of life for citizens, reconnection between the urban and rural context. The model will be implemented and demonstrated in the Łódzkie region, where key territorial partners, and particularly the regional institution, the scientific partner, the representative of civil society and industry groups, will play a relevant role in promoting, facilitating, and enabling systemics and circular economy at a regional scale. The involvement of those relevant actors will allow the promotion of the circular economy and to reach relevant actors, such as municipalities, companies, consumers, and civil society, which will be engaged in a participatory approach to collect needs and perceived constraints. From this activity, the cluster system will identify and define a circular economy strategy, with clear objectives, measurable targets, and a proper monitoring method. Moreover, the cluster will facilitate collaborations and cooperations among relevant actors for boosting circularity. It will mean to:

• identify already-available initiatives and policies at local, regional, national, and international level;
• create platforms to explore opportunities and to share information, best practices, and successful examples;
• activate a strong communication between universities, businesses, and civil society for the technological transfer;
• exchange information and experiences with other regions and countries.

The project foresees activities, such as the definition of regulatory instruments aimed at accelerating the transition to a circular economy creating a Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) in which the proposed systemic solution is embedded.

The ultimate goal is to guarantee a long-lasting effect of this transition by building-up a permanent Circular Regional Cluster applying Circular Governance Model by engaging regional, local and national public authorities to ensure that long term planning and deployment is achieved in the Łódzkie region and replicated throughout Europe, leveraging on mutual learning with four regions in Italy, Greece, Portugal and the Netherlands that will act as knowledge providers and as replicators.

Main objectives of the project related to Circular Economy: technical assistance, dissemination, studies, monitoring, etc.

• demonstration of four circular systemic solutions each targeting an economic sector aiming towards decarbonisation (Wood Packaging, Food & Feed, Water & Nutrients, and Plastic & Rubber Waste) at the regional level (Łódzkie);
• development of a regional systemic circular economic approach, including a methodology and toolkit to support the regional transition towards the circular economy, a circular governance model and policy and practice recommendations;
• citizen and stakeholder engagement for the deployment of the circular systemic solutions, as well as an assessment of their generated impact;
• strategy for the regional replication of the circular systemic solutions in Campania (Italy), Região do Norte (Portugal), Stereá Elláda (Greece), and Friesland (the Netherlands);
• promotion and dissemination of the circular economy and the benefits attached to the transition towards it.

• D2.1 – Policy Framework and Market analysis
• D2.2 – Regional Circularity Booster toolkit
• D2.3 – Circular economy monitoring system model for the Łódzkie Region
• D2.4 – Policy, business, social, environmental and practice recommendations
• D2.6 – Circular Governance Model, operational framework, Łódzkie region CEAP enhancement and implementation updates
• D3.1 – Implementation plan of CSS1 and citizen engagement Plan
• D3.5 – Ecodesign case studies CSS1
• D4.1 – Implementation plan of CSS2
• D4.2 – Citizens engagement for CSS2 co-creation and deployment
• D4.7 – Ecodesign case studies CSS2
• D5.1 – Implementation plan of CSS3 and citizen engagement Plan
• D5.5 – Ecodesign case studies CSS2
• D6.1 – Community based innovation scheme, citizen engagement plan & implementation plan for CSS4
• D6.6 – Ecodesign case studies CSS2
• D7.1 – Methodological approach to enhance circularity in Łódzkie Region
• D7.2 – Digital Platform and tools
• D7.3 – Circular economy business models and roadmap to regional enhancements
• D8.1 – Replication Strategies Model
• D8.2 – Replication in fellow regions and beyond

• Input, support and in particular knowledge provision to Thematic Working Groups of the CCRI-CSO;
• Work Package of translation to other regions as key delivery for the CCRI-CSO (strategy for the regional replication of the circular systemic solutions);
• development of a regional systemic circular economic approach, including a methodology and toolkit to support the regional transition towards the circular economy, a circular governance model and policy and practice recommendations;
• participation in CCRI webinars and technical workshops;
• involvement in Cluster activities of Green Deal Call CE projects;
• sharing of information and knowledge of the project with CCRI-CSO;
• taking an active part in CCRI support activities of Pilot and Fellow cities and regions participate in CCRI events.

Citizen involvement in the circular economy means the conscious participation of citizens in direct and supportive actions (processes) for inclusion in the circular economy cycle. With the involvement of residents, various solutions in the circular economy will be implemented more effectively and with less resistance. The processes to trigger resident involvement are mainly education, activism, and influence. Implemented in parallel, they offer a chance for deeper and good change.

Education is a longer, planned process that gradually increases knowledge among different groups of stakeholders: children and youth, representatives of NGOs and local leaders, employees of the municipality and its organisational units, and entrepreneurs.

Increasing social activity in the implementation of circular solutions for FRONTSH1P started in the Lodzkie region through activities in various municipalities. This was planned through community animation activities (such as in the Circular Neighbourhood Activity Spaces). The Circular Neighbourhood Activity Space is a meeting place for residents, discussions, and workshops, but most importantly, joint implementation of various initiatives and mutual assistance. The result of the planned animation activities will be the joint implementation by various groups of residents of ecological projects implementing Closed Circuit Economy (7R) solutions, such as exchanging, sharing, reusing, refurbishing, repairing and others.

• Complex and fragmented regulations: regulatory frameworks related to waste management, product design, and recycling are often complex and fragmented. Multiple directives and regulations at the EU, national, and local levels can create confusion and administrative burdens, making it difficult for businesses to navigate.

• Lack of harmonisation: there can be discrepancies in regulations between different EU Member States, leading to market distortions and making it difficult for businesses that operate across borders to comply with various rules.

• Inadequate product standards and labelling: the lack of common standards for recyclability and sustainability can hinder the design of products for a circular economy. Without standardised labelling, consumers may have difficulty identifying eco-friendly products.
• Legal challenges in cross-border waste movements: regulations around cross-border transportation of waste materials can be cumbersome, impacting the smooth operation of recycling and recovery activities.

• EU Circular Economy Action Plan: the EU Circular Economy Action Plan sets out a comprehensive framework to promote circularity. It includes measures to improve product design, recycling and waste management, and sets specific targets for recycling rates and reductions in landfilling.

• Waste hierarchy: the EU Waste Hierarchy places prevention, re-use, recycling, and recovery above disposal. This regulatory principle directs waste management practices toward circularity.

• Extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation: EPR regulations place the responsibility for end-of-life product management on manufacturers. These regulations encourage product design for recyclability and environmental considerations.

• Ecodesign Directive: the Ecodesign Directive establishes requirements for the environmental performance of energy-related products, encouraging design for longer product lifecycles and higher energy efficiency.

• Circular Economy Package: the EU Circular Economy Package includes measures to increase recycling rates, reduce landfilling, and promote the use of secondary raw materials. It aims to create a more resource-efficient, competitive, and sustainable EU economy.

• Single-Use Plastics Directive: the Single-Use Plastics Directive bans or restricts single-use plastic products and promotes recycling and waste management. It aligns with circular principles to reduce plastic waste.

The first rough results are:

• Skills development: by promoting training and skill development, the project can enhance the employability and personal development of participants.
• Education and awareness: the project may raise awareness and educate the public about important social and environmental issues, contributing to informed and responsible citizenship.
• Community empowerment: through participation in project activities, communities can become more engaged and empowered, leading to positive social change and stronger community ties.
• Social Innovation: innovation driven by projects can lead to new solutions and approaches to address social challenges and improve the well-being of communities.
• Reduced social inequalities: by addressing environmental and social justice issues, projects can contribute to reducing social inequalities and fostering more equitable societies.
• Community resilience: projects can strengthen community resilience by enhancing their ability to cope with and recover from social, economic, or environmental disruptions.

• Youth engagement: projects may engage young people in meaningful ways, fostering their participation and contributions to their communities.

Industry, civil society, citizens, public administration, municipalities

• L'isolante K-Flex SpA, Italy
• Centrum Badan I Innowacji Pro-Akademia Stowarzyszenie, Polands
• Centrum Promocji I Rozwoju Inicjatyw Obywatelskich Opus, Poland
• Politechnika Lodzka, Poland
• Uniwersytet Lodzki,  Poland
• Wojewodztwo Lodzkie, Poland
• Zwiazek Miedzygminny Bzura, Poland
• Gmina Parzeczew, Poland
• Kpmg Advisory Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia Spolka Komandytowa, Poland
• Kpmg Tax M.Michna Spolka Komandytowa,  Poland
• Sirmax Polska Sp zoo, Poland
• Leda Polymer Sp zoo, Poland
• Libera Universita Di Bolzano, Italy
• Sviluppo Tecnologie E Ricerca Per L'edilizia Sismicamente Sicura Ed Ecosostenibile Scarl,Italy
• Consorzio Per La Promozione Della Cultura Plastica Proplast, Italy
• Gruppo Di Azione Locale Irpinia, Italy
• Novamont Spa, Italy
• Stam Srl, Italy
• Carmasciando Societa' Agricola Srl, Italy
• Ethnicon Metsovion Polytechnion, Greece
• Ethniko Kentro Erevnas Kai Technologikis Anaptyxis, Greece
• Perifereia Stereas Elladas, Greece
• Dimos Levadewn, Greece
• Laboratorio Nacional De Energia E Geologia I.P., Portugal
• Laboratorio Iberico Internacional De Nanotecnologia Lin, Portugal
• Comissao De Coordenacao E Desenvolvimento Regional Do Norte, Portugal
• Fundacion Cartif, Spain
• Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Cientificas, Spain
• Vereniging Circulair Friesland, Netherlands
• Provincie Fryslan, Netherlands
• Waste4me BV, Netherlands
• European Association of Development Agencies, Belgium
• Veltha Ivzw, Belgium
• Universita Degli Studi Della Tuscia, Italy
• Promix Solutions AG, Switzerland
• Burkhardt GmbH, Germany

Each CSS targets an economic sector that is aiming towards decarbonisation: Wood Packaging; Food & Feed; Water & Nutrients; and Plastic & Rubber Waste. Each developed CSS will furthermore be highly replicable. A feat that will be proven during the project by their implementation in four other European regions: Campania (Italy); Sterea Ellada (Greece); Norte (Portugal); and Friesland (the Netherlands).
 

Through the development of the CSS, FRONTSH1P will create Circular Regional Clusters that involve a wide range of local, regional, and national stakeholders, both from the public and private spheres, guaranteeing that no one will be left behind.