The FRONTSH1P Circular Governance Model is a strategic framework that guides local stakeholders in transitioning to circular value chains by fostering collaboration across municipalities, industry, civil society, and academia. At its core is the CircuPuncture Model, which has been developed by Pro-Akademia in collaboration with the University of Łódź and other partners involved in the FRONTSH1P project, and it has received significant input from various regional stakeholders and academic experts. 

This model adopts a participatory approach, creating an adaptive governance structure that addresses the unique needs and challenges of the Łódzkie Region. The CircuPuncture Model functions through ‘resource missions’, which organise stakeholders around shared objectives and resources, ensuring that activities are coordinated across multiple levels, from local municipalities to regional authorities. This structure promotes effective co-governance, co-creation, and inclusive decision-making, making it easier to align diverse stakeholders toward common circular economic goals and ease the creation of Regional CEAP (Circular Economic Action Plans). 

One of the key features of the model is the establishment of the Circular Territorial Cluster, which acts as a platform, developed by STAM, to connect and engage different stakeholders in the region. However, engaging such a diverse set of actors presented challenges, particularly in aligning priorities and achieving mutual understanding. To overcome these barriers, we employed continuous dialogue, a clear communication strategy, and organised regular workshops to build trust and commitment. This inclusive and flexible approach has been essential in maintaining stakeholder engagement and ensuring the successful implementation of circular strategies. It transforms the region’s challenges into opportunities for innovation and cooperation, laying a strong foundation for sustainable development and systemic change. 

In FRONTSH1P, circular solutions are designed to work through mutual integration, maximising circularity and resource efficiency. Currently, a combination of two circular solutions tested through the project is showing the best results for replication potential, with both systems being tested and validated in the Łódzkie Region, specifically in and around Łódź. 

The first solution, led by NOVAMONT, focuses on the valorisation of agro-industrial waste through CO2-assisted pre-treatment and biotechnological processes, transforming agricultural by-products into high-value outputs like biodegradable lubricants and bio-based building blocks. As part of its deployment, a sunflower field was established in Parzęczew to restore marginal lands, demonstrating the potential of cultivating oil crops in degraded areas to produce bio-lubricants and biodegradable materials. The implementation of this solution not only creates value from waste but also contributes to soil regeneration and sustainable land use. 

The second most-promising solution, led by LNEG and STAM, complements the first by targeting wastewater and flue gas valorisation using a microalgae-based system. Tested with municipal wastewater from Parzęczew and flue gases from the nearby K-FLEX facilities, this circular solution captures CO2 and removes nutrients, converting pollutants into bio-stimulants, clean water, and renewable biogas. This innovative approach efficiently integrates wastewater treatment and carbon capture, producing circular outputs while enhancing local environmental quality. The combined solution effectively closes resource loops and minimises environmental impacts, transforming regional challenges into opportunities for sustainable economic growth. Its synergy enables flexible application and scalability, making it ideal for regions with similar agricultural and industrial contexts. 

Together, both (above-mentioned) solutions form a comprehensive circular economy model that not only improves local environmental conditions but also reduces dependency on external resources and supports the development of robust, self-sufficient local value chains. 

Following the successful implementation in Łódź, we are now preparing to virtually replicate this model in the other regions involved in the project, located in Greece, Italy, Portugal, and the Netherlands. By adapting the solutions to the specific contexts of these regions, we aim to demonstrate the scalability and replicability of our circular strategies, promoting sustainable development and regional decarbonisation across Europe. 

The implementation of these circular solutions in the Łódzkie Region has highlighted the challenges and opportunities of deploying complex circular economy models. Each solution has faced unique obstacles, highlighting the disruption needed for an extended systemic circular change. Aligning the interests and priorities of stakeholders involved in these value chains was a primary difficulty, as stakeholders had different levels of familiarity with circular principles, resource constraints, and sometimes conflicting goals. Technical deployment across all four solutions tested by the project also encountered numerous hurdles, including unforeseen inefficiencies when scaled up, inconsistent feedstock quality, technical mismatches, and the need for continuous adaptation of systems to local conditions. Addressing these issues required a dynamic problem-solving approach, iterative testing, and close collaboration with technology providers and local partners. 

The experiences across all four solutions have emphasised the necessity of a flexible, multi-stakeholder approach when implementing circular strategies, particularly for complex and interlinked value chains. Early and sustained engagement of stakeholders is crucial for building a shared vision and managing diverse interests, which, if not addressed proactively, can hinder progress and cause delays. The adaptability of technical solutions is another key takeaway; even well-established technologies can face operational challenges when integrated into novel contexts or scaled up, necessitating continuous refinement and contextual adjustments. 

A central lesson is the importance of building strong communication channels and promoting a culture of collaboration among all actors. Regular workshops, transparent dialogues, and participatory decision-making processes have been instrumental in navigating conflicts and aligning objectives. For instance, the recommended project solution related to plastic and rubber waste valorisation required extensive regulatory discussions and cross-sectoral coordination, highlighting the need for a robust framework that supports stakeholder dialogue. 

Ensuring technical and logistical flexibility is essential for overcoming unexpected barriers. Continuous testing, iterative feedback, and a willingness to refine systems based on real-world performance are critical strategies. Moreover, securing long-term commitment from stakeholders across all solutions is crucial for ensuring the durability and success of circular strategies. Without sustained engagement and support, the implementation pace can suffer, and the replicability of solutions may be compromised. Achieving systemic change requires more than technological innovation – it demands a coordinated effort to align economic, environmental, and social goals across diverse actors. 

These shared insights from the Łódzkie Region’s solution implementations will serve as a strong foundation as the FRONTSH1P project replicates its circular models in other European regions, including in Greece, Italy, Portugal, and the Netherlands. Applying these lessons will help anticipate and mitigate challenges, enabling a smoother adaptation process and ultimately supporting the development of resilient, circular ecosystems across Europe.