Islands of Corfu & Paxos, Lipari island

Region of Ionian islands, Region of Eolian islands

Plastics and textiles, in context of the circular economy, waste management and recycling, tourism, creative industries/design, manufacturing/small scale production, education and social innovation.

ReBoat aims at designing, developing and demonstrating a novel decentralized systemic circular solution focused on plastics and textile, exploiting a mobile, modular, sorting, recycling and reprocessing plant on a Boat that will transform local waste into new products, meeting the needs of island citizens, tourists and local artisans and workers. Three complementary pilots at Eolian, Ionian and Azores islands, will CoCreate new objects, spaces and experiences through an Island Participatory Approach supported by Collaborative Digital tools, the Boat infrastructure and enhanced by newly designed Tourism Packages offering new enriching, conscious and sustainable holidays to Europeans. Main objectives of the project include:

• CoCreation of an active and conscious island demand for creative solutions for the recycling and upcycling of collected waste objects and materials, primarily focusing on plastics and textile, coming from the local environment.
• Activation of the island ecosystem of citizens, tourists, artists, designers, architects, and small-scale producers as artisans’ laboratories, engaged in building together a sustainable and inclusive system.
• Development of a local, flexible and modular decentralised circular systemic solution will be promoted in three European islands.
• Organisation of events around the mobile plant on board of a Boat container.
• Involvement of citizens and tourists to provide needs and challenges, and engagement of artists and designers through novel touristic packages to provide solutions inspired by local art and culture.
• Collection of lessons learnt to define a replication strategy in multiple rural and peripheral eco-systems.

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

The objectives of the project as regards circular economy are divided in the following categories:

Technical Assistance:

• Design and operation of a modular, mobile recycling/reprocessing Boat.
• Real-world pilots in 3 EU islands for testing systemic circular solutions.
• Demonstration of demand-driven circular manufacturing on-site.
• Support for local SMEs and artisans in co-creating recycled products.

Training & Skills Development:

• Remote and on-site training programs for “qualified working-holiday” tourists.
• New didactic concepts for artisan-tailor education in circular manufacturing.
• Engagement of schools, universities, and training centres to promote CE careers.

Dissemination and Awareness Raising:

• Creation of interactive learning spaces, events, shows, and exhibitions (“The Circus”).
• Use of videos, infographics, workshops to inform citizens/tourists.
• Development of at least 10 information tools to promote CE practices.

CO-Creation and Participatory Design:

• Participatory product and service design involving citizens, tourists, and local actors.
• Development of 100 new circular design concepts through local engagement.
• Creation of the ability to organise neighbourhood committees to guide circular interventions.

Policy & Regulatory Recommendations

• Delivery of 3 policy recommendation documents:

1. Permits for movable recycling plants
2. Green public procurement for island infrastructure
3. Tourist rules for “ReBoat Circular Islands”

Digital & Technological Innovation

• AI technologies for waste sorting, feedback/feedforward controls of recycling and reprocessing.
• Use of IoT for localization and demand-driven deployment
• Creation and validation of Waste ID app and logistics optimization tools.

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Monitoring of waste processing performance (e.g., 40% of collected waste recycled locally).
• Evaluation of CO₂ reduction, job creation and raw material savings by 2030.
• Assessment of uptake and replication potential at multiple levels.

Studies & Impact Assessment

• Economic, social, environmental and scientific impact assessments (with detailed metrics).
• Forecasting revenue streams, cost projections.

Links to key deliverables of the project that are relevant to the CCRI community (EU cities and regions).

Upcoming related deliverables:
D.5.2 Validation results in pilots (Public) -  Deliverable 5.2 is the demonstrator of the ReBoat strategies on the 3 pilot islands identified, Eolian, Ionian and Azores.
The deliverable also includes validation of the results achieved in each pilot and related events organized and subsequent lessons learnt during pilot implementation for each group of islands.
D5.3 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), monitoring, maintenance and assessment (sensitive).
 

Implement circular solutions that are locally adapted, inclusive, and community-driven. Use mobile and modular technologies to manage waste efficiently and create local value. Engage citizens, SMEs, and tourists through participatory design and cultural experiences. Empower communities with skills, training, and co-creation opportunities to drive lasting circular impact. Support systemic change with policy, education, and innovation tailored to territorial needs.

As a CCRI member, ReBoat could benefit from policy guidance, technical assistance, and access to best practices to support the replication of its circular tourism model. It would gain visibility, connect with circular economy pioneers, and access impact assessment tools, boosting its local engagement, policy influence, and long-term scaling across EU regions.

• Projected to achieve a 60% reduction in CO₂ emissions related to waste and primary material logistics by minimizing transport and using recycled inputs.
• Projected to achieve a 40% reduction of microplastics in the sea and beaches
• By 2030, ReBoat, in its considered scenario, will save 10,825 tons of waste composites (GFRP) and 44,200 tons of PET, from landfills.
• The Savings in Manufacturing related Energy [TWh/year] are calculated to reach 2,11 TWh/year, according to the Reboat considered scenario.
• Through over 200 interactive events, the project raises awareness about responsible consumption and the benefits of circularity among thousands of citizens and tourists.

• Projected to generate over 559 new circular economy jobs across sectors like boating, constructions, plastics packaging design products by 2030,
• Will deliver hands-on training and education in circular manufacturing for students, artisans, and professionals, boosting local employability.
• Will foster civic engagement through participatory design and co-creation.
• Promotes intercultural dialogue and inclusion by involving artists, citizens, and tourists in collaborative circular initiatives
• Builds lasting social networks and awareness around sustainability, particularly in peripheral and island communities

• €1 invested in ReBoat is estimated to generate €8.39 in added value for the EU industry by 2030.
• Increase in value added in sectors such as boating, constructions, plastics packaging design products, of 41.971 (M€) by 2030
• Stimulation of new markets for circular products, especially in design, furniture, and sustainable tourism
• Strengthening local SMEs and artisans by integrating them into the circular value chain and reducing dependence on imported raw materials.
• Introducing value-added tourism packages combining circularity, learning, and cultural experiences, attracting a new visitor profile