The document focuses on four key waste-based value chains: Wood Packaging, Food and Feed, Water and Nutrients, and Plastics and Rubber. It delivers practical insights for cities and regions by outlining the necessary conditions for a functioning regional socio-economic ecosystem and effective local circular economy policies.

This is achieved through detailed methodologies addressing legal frameworks, incentive mechanisms, green public procurement schemes, and market failure diagnostics, each supported by corresponding results. As a resource, it is particularly useful during the "map" and "design" phases, providing methodologies to identify structural barriers and highlight where policy reforms or stakeholder coordination are required.

To navigate through the different methods described in this document, the user can start by referring to the Table of Contents (pages 4–5), which outlines each methodological section clearly by topic and subtopic.

Each method is embedded within a structured section (e.g., “Legal and formal barriers,” “Market failures,” “Incentives,” “Public Procurement,” etc.), and the user can follow these sections sequentially for a step-by-step understanding of how each method relates to the implementation of circular economy strategies.

Additionally, these sections present practical use cases such as specific projects, stakeholder interactions, and implementation frameworks that serve as real-world examples of how each method is applied in practice, helping users understand their practical value and adaptability.