Organised within the framework of the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE project CIREVALC, the event provided an opportunity to present the project’s main results, exchange regional experiences and discuss future opportunities for accelerating circular solutions in the food, catering and packaging sectors. Discussions throughout the conference highlighted the importance of cooperation between regions, institutions and SMEs in supporting the transition towards more sustainable and resource-efficient business models.
The conference opened with welcoming remarks from Mr Zoltán Bendó, Lead partner from the South Transdanubian Regional Innovation Agency (HU), and Ms Jolanta Wiśniowska, Vice President of the Board of the Rzeszów Regional Development Agency (PL). Both speakers underlined the importance of long-term transnational cooperation and the role of projects such as CIREVALC in supporting knowledge exchange and practical implementation of circular economy solutions across Central Europe.
Presenting the CIREVALC Road Map and Regional Experiences
One of the main highlights of the programme was the presentation of the CIREVALC Road Map, introducing the project’s strategic approach to accelerating circular solutions in the food, catering and packaging sectors. The roadmap reflected experiences gathered during project implementation and demonstrated how cooperation between regional stakeholders can support sustainable innovation and circular business development. Speakers highlighted that many regions across Central Europe face similar challenges related to sustainability transition, including regulatory requirements, limited capacities of SMEs and the need for stronger cooperation between businesses, research institutions and public authorities. The discussions also emphasised that circular economy principles are becoming increasingly important for regional competitiveness and long-term resilience.
A particularly valuable part of the programme was the international discussion panel focused on “Regional CIRCULAR stories and national regulatory frameworks”. Experts and institutional representatives from Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia, Czech Republic and Austria shared regional experiences with circular economy implementation and discussed how different policy environments influence the pace of transition.
The panel highlighted several recurring themes:
- the growing importance of regional cooperation and knowledge exchange,
- the need for practical support tools tailored to SMEs,
- the role of development and innovation agencies and also intermediary organisations,
- the importance of predictable legislative frameworks,
- and the necessity of combining environmental objectives with economic feasibility.
Participants also discussed barriers that continue to affect circular transformation, including limited investment capacities, regulatory complexity and insufficient awareness of circular business opportunities among smaller companies.
Circular Community Accelerator and Support for SMEs
Another major topic of the conference was the Circular Community Accelerator, presented through a joint session combining expert presentations and panel discussion. The session introduced several important outputs developed within the CIREVALC project, including the accelerator concept, online market, CIREVALC strategy, Accelerator Network and the CE-level action plan.
The session highlighted the importance of providing SMEs with practical support tools, networking opportunities and access to international cooperation platforms. The Accelerator concept was presented as a mechanism for connecting stakeholders, supporting pilot initiatives and strengthening regional circular economy ecosystems.
Special attention was also given to the announcement of the CIREVALC Ambassadors contest, aimed at increasing the visibility of organisations and individuals actively contributing to circular economy development.
Speakers agreed that successful circular transformation depends not only on technologies and legislation, but also on cooperation, networking and the exchange of practical experiences between regions and organisations.
European Cooperation and Policy Perspectives
The programme also explored the broader European perspective on circular transition and international cooperation.
Ms Angelika Van Es from the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE Programme presented opportunities for future cooperation within the Interreg CENTRAL EUROPE 2021–2027 framework and beyond. The presentation highlighted the continued importance of transnational projects in addressing shared regional challenges and supporting innovation-oriented collaboration across Europe.
Opportunities for international cooperation within different Interreg programmes, including Central Europe, Interreg Europe and the Baltic Sea Region, were presented by Ms Izabela Możejko, Main Specialist, Department of Transnational and Interregional Cooperation, Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy, National Contact Point from Poland. The discussion emphasised that circular economy challenges are interconnected across countries and require coordinated solutions and continuous exchange of knowledge and good practices.
An important part of the programme focused on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and legal regulations related to circular economy implementation. The session was delivered by Ms Beata Fatyga, Head of the Waste Management Department of Environmental Protection, Marshal’s Office of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, PL, who discussed current policy developments and their implications for businesses operating in the food and packaging sectors. The discussion confirmed the growing importance of regulatory frameworks in shaping future business models and sustainability strategies.
Representatives of the Podkarpackie region presented instruments supporting entrepreneurs in the implementation of circular solutions through European Funds for Podkarpacie 2021–2027. The presentation was delivered by Ms. Monika Mendoń, Head of the Unit for the Selection of Investment Support Projects, Entrepreneurship Support Department, Marshal’s Office of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, PL, representing Ms. Agnieszka Czuchra, Director of the Entrepreneurship Support Department, Marshal’s Office of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The session demonstrated that access to targeted financial support and advisory mechanisms remains crucial for enabling practical implementation of circular innovations, especially among SMEs.
Practical Examples from the Business Sector
The conference also showcased a range of practical business cases, demonstrating how circular economy principles are already being effectively implemented in industrial practice. Representatives of Makarony Polskie S.A., one of Poland’s leading pasta producers, presented their “Zero Waste” approach developed at the company’s production plant in Rzeszów. The presentation was delivered by Ms Beata Majewska, Director of Corporate Affairs and ESG, and Marcin Furman, Head of the Production Plant.
Operating at a scale exceeding 150 tonnes of pasta per day across five production lines, the company combines high efficiency with a strong commitment to sustainability. Their circular model includes recovering defective pasta products, which are processed into granulate and reintroduced into production as a secondary raw material. This approach significantly reduces waste and improves resource efficiency.
Another notable solution addresses the management of so-called “waste dough”, previously considered a problematic by-product. Through cooperation with an external partner, this material is now converted into bioethanol—a valuable industrial resource and renewable fuel component—thereby reducing environmental impact while also eliminating disposal costs.
Further insights were provided by Marma Polskie Folie Sp. z o.o., one of Europe’s largest plastics processors, represented by its President, Ms Marta Półtorak. She emphasised that within the company’s operational model, production residuals are not treated as waste but as secondary raw materials that remain in continuous circulation, reflecting a deeply embedded circular mindset.
The company places strong emphasis on material homogeneity and innovative technologies such as NDO, which enable the production of recyclable, single-material packaging with properties comparable to multi-material alternatives. This approach significantly enhances recyclability and supports more efficient resource use across the value chain.
Ms Marta Półtorak also underlined that achieving long-term sustainability requires not only technological advancement but also active societal involvement. She pointed out that without proper consumer awareness and responsible waste segregation, even the most advanced circular solutions cannot deliver their full potential. In this context, she stressed the importance of education and building responsible consumption habits as key elements of an effective circular economy.
Another valuable perspective came from KRAMER Industrial Packaging (KRAMER Opakowania Przemysłowe A. Kania J. Kiełb Sp.j.), a participant in the CIREVALC pilot project. Mr Bartłomiej Sarna, Technologist, presented specific actions undertaken by the company to support its transition towards a circular model, demonstrating how practical and scalable solutions can be successfully implemented in everyday operations.
Together, these examples highlighted the strong and growing link between circular economy practices, innovation, and business competitiveness. They clearly confirmed that the transition towards circularity is already underway, driven by companies that recognise both its economic and environmental benefits.
The final part of the conference focused on education and capacity building through the presentation of the “Circular Transformation Academy for Business”, delivered by Ms Agnieszka Katowicz from the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development. The educational programme aims to support entrepreneurs and organisations in understanding and implementing circular economy principles in practice, providing them with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively navigate the transition towards more sustainable business models.
Key Conclusions from the Conference
Throughout the conference, several strong conclusions repeatedly emerged from presentations and discussions:
- Circular economy transition requires practical cooperation between businesses, public authorities, research institutions and intermediary organisations.
- SMEs need accessible support mechanisms, financing opportunities and practical implementation tools.
- International cooperation remains essential for scaling successful circular economy solutions across Europe.
- Circular transition is increasingly driven by evolving legislation and policy frameworks, including EPR-related regulations.
- Regional innovation ecosystems and accelerator initiatives can significantly strengthen the implementation of circular business models.
- Knowledge sharing and exchange of practical experiences are key factors for accelerating sustainable transformation.
The CIREVALC Final Dissemination Event confirmed the importance of continued cooperation and knowledge exchange in supporting circular economy transition across Central Europe.
By connecting institutions, experts and businesses from multiple countries, the CIREVALC project contributes to strengthening regional cooperation and supporting the further development of circular solutions in the food, catering and packaging sectors.