What remains, however, is much more than a completed European project. CIRCOTRONIC leaves behind a lasting ecosystem of practical tools, regional partnerships and strategic recommendations designed to support the circular transition of the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) sector for years to come.
Bringing together research organisations, business support organisations, public authorities and companies from six Central European countries, the project developed, tested and validated practical solutions that help SMEs become more resource-efficient, resilient and competitive. More than 150 small and medium-sized enterprises participated in pilot activities, ensuring that the project’s outputs were shaped by real business needs and practical experience.
Throughout the project, partners demonstrated that circular transformation is not driven by a single solution, but by combining knowledge, collaboration and practical tools tailored to companies’ challenges.
Among CIRCOTRONIC’s key outcomes are:
- Guide on Circular Transformation of Electrical and Electronic Equipment – a practical roadmap supporting SMEs throughout their circular transition;
- Solution Book – showcasing pilot experiences, tested approaches and recommendations for implementing circular solutions;
- Inventory of Circular Economy Tools – presenting 15 practical tools supporting circular design, materials and recovery, and circular business models;
- Nine Regional Circular Labs and the Circular NET-LAB – creating a long-term network for knowledge exchange and cooperation beyond the project’s lifetime;
- Transnational Strategic Action Plan – providing recommendations for strengthening circular economy policies and regional cooperation within the EEE sector;
- UNPLUGGED Virtual Exhibition – raising awareness of electronic waste and circularity through design, storytelling and interactive experiences;
- SME transformation stories – demonstrating how circular economy principles can be successfully implemented in real manufacturing environments.
Although the project has formally concluded, its impact continues.
All major project results remain publicly available and are intended to support companies, policymakers, researchers, business support organisations and everyone interested in advancing circularity in the electronics sector. Visitors are invited to explore the project’s publications, tools, good practice examples and the UNPLUGGED exhibition available on this website.
The CIRCOTRONIC partnership would like to sincerely thank all participating SMEs, associated organisations, stakeholders, experts and regional partners whose commitment, openness and collaboration made this journey possible.
Together, we have created not only project results, but a strong foundation for continuing the circular transition of the European electronics sector.
Written by: Grit Ackerman, CCIS and Magdalena Małachowska, MD