The SMART CIRCUIT Conference, titled “Rethinking Packaging: A Fresh Look on the Plastics Sector and Advanced Materials for Circular Business Models”, took place on 28 October 2025 in Zadar, Croatia, gathering experts, policymakers, and innovation actors from across Europe.
The event opened with welcoming remarks from the Varaždin County Chamber of Commerce and the SMART CIRCUIT Lead Partner, Krakow Technology Park, followed by a policy-focused session addressing the OMNIBUS Package (CSRD, CS3D, EU Taxonomy) and Croatia’s upcoming National Plan for the Development of the Circular Economy 2026–2032.
A series of project showcases then highlighted innovative approaches in circular plastics and advanced materials, including biodegradable products from agro-waste, microsystem technologies in packaging, and creative reuse of plastic waste in design applications.
In the afternoon, participants joined Master Classes providing practical insights into Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), circular strategies for single-use packaging, and the innovation–recyclability paradox in textiles.
The conference concluded with the Strategy Dissemination Lab, featuring panels on green transition in factories and the official kick-off of the Circular Innovation Academy (CIA). Live demonstrations and discussions focused on how circular thinking can be integrated into production systems and business strategies.
The following day, 29 October, project partners continued with the SMART CIRCUIT Partner Meeting, concentrating on project progress, financial coordination, and joint workshops to align the next phase of implementation.