In 2025, REUSE2030 progressed from planning to implementation, turning plans, tools, and partnerships into concrete actions for SMEs across Central Europe.
From engaging industry to testing digital solutions and showcasing results at European-level events, the project took a decisive step towards helping mechanical SMEs move closer to circular and zero-carbon business models.
🚀 From ambition to engagement
One of the most significant achievements of 2025 was reaching the project’s first major milestone. Nearly 100 mechanical SMEs from across Central Europe are actively engaged in REUSE2030 activities, confirming both the urgency of circular transition challenges and the strong demand for practical, easy-to-use solutions.
This level of engagement demonstrated that REUSE2030 is addressing real needs on the ground – where companies are seeking clear and realistic pathways to reduce waste, optimise resources, and lower emissions without compromising competitiveness.
🛠️ Digital tools tested in real industrial environments
A major focus of the year was the advancement and testing of REUSE2030’s two core digital solutions:
• Digital Circular Inventory Tool, helping companies identify circular opportunities based on their waste streams and production processes
• Zero Carbon Tool, enabling SMEs to access their carbon footprint, resource use, and cost-saving potential.
By entering an extensive testing phase, these tools moved beyond concept and into everyday industrial reality. SMEs were not only users, but also contributors, providing hands-on feedback that will directly shape the final versions of the tools.
🌍 Sharing results at the European level
In May 2025, REUSE2030 was presented at the Inerreg Central Europe Conference “From Results to Impact: Cooperation Takes Synergies Forward” in Vienna. Project partners shared early results and highlighted how transnational cooperation can accelerate green and circular transformation in the mechanical sector. The conference provided an important platform to connect with other initiatives, exchange experience, and position REUSE2030 as a practical, solution-oriented project within the wider Interreg ecosystem.
🤝 Strong partnership driving progress
Throughout 2025, transnational collaboration was a central driver of progress within the REUSE2030 project. The year began with a partner meeting in Liberec, Czech Republic (January 28-29), where project partners laid the groundwork for alignment key activities, including tool development, and stakeholder engagement strategies. Later in the year, a second transnational meeting took place in Graz, Austria (September 24-25), as part of the International Mechatronics Forum 2025. This gathering brought together partners, industry representatives, researchers, and innovation leaders to exchange lessons learned, align testing activities, and refine collaborative support approaches for SMEs participating in the project.
These strategic meetings strengthened cooperation across borders and helped ensure that REUSE2030’s outputs remain relevant, scalable, and responsive to diverse regional and industrial contexts – ultimately enhancing the project’s impact on circular and zero-carbon transitions in the mechanical sector.
🔄 Looking ahead
By the end of 2025, REUSE2030 had firmly progressed from planning to implementation, with tested tools, engaged SMEs, and strong cross-border cooperation in place.
With these foundations established, the project is well positioned to scale its impact further and continue supporting SMEs on their journey towards circular economy practices and reduced carbon emissions across Central Europe.