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CIRCOTRONIC

Project overview

Transnational Network of Circular Labs for EEE

The environmental impact of electronics manufacturing is not just limited to waste creation but also raises concerns about air pollution, water and soil contamination in production processes. To overcome this, the CIRCOTRONIC project brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, and policy makers from nine manufacturing regions in a transnational network of regional circular labs. Together, they develop solutions for more circular value chains and design a policy framework for circular production.

2,38m €

Project Budget

80%

of the Budget is funded by ERDF

Layer 1

6

Countries

9

Regions

12

Partners

5

Pilots

Duration

Start date

End date

Project progress

54%

Project partnership

Project partners

Slovenija (SI)

Lead partner

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia

Address
Dimičeva ulica 13
1000 Ljubljana
Country
Slovenia (SI)
Web
https://www.gzs.si/

Project partner

DG Knowledge, Labour and Enterprise Economy Research, Innovation, Energy and Sustainable Economy Unit
Address
Viale Aldo Moro 44
40127 Bologna
Country
Italy (IT)
Web
https://www.regione.emilia-romagna.it/
Total partner budget
272,400 €
SME Advisory Services
Address
Prinzregentenstr. 52
80538 Munich
Country
Germany (DE)
Web
www.bayfor.org
Total partner budget
231,000 €
Address
Letna 9
04200 Košice
Country
Slovakia (SK)
Web
www.tuke.sk
Total partner budget
196,000 €
Cluster and Networks
Address
Hafenstrasse 47-51
4020 Linz
Country
Austria (AT)
Web
https://www.biz-up.at/
Total partner budget
250,005 €
Address
Piazza delle Istituzioni 34/A
31100 Treviso
Country
Italy (IT)
Web
www.t2i.it
Total partner budget
216,850 €
Address
Bandurskiego 96/23
71-685 Szczecin
Country
Poland (PL)
Web
www.mediadizajn.pl
Total partner budget
173,800 €
Address
Kidričeva cesta 25
3000 Celje
Country
Slovenia (SI)
Web
www.tecos.si
Total partner budget
196,500 €
Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development
Address
Lehargasse 6
1060 Vienna
Country
Austria (AT)
Web
https://www.tuwien.at/
Total partner budget
240,800 €
Address
Strojárenská 3
040 01 040 01
Country
Slovakia (SK)
Web
www.arr.sk
Total partner budget
149,800 €
Address
Ul. Gdańska 36
70-660 Szczecin
Country
Poland (PL)
Web
https://www.elektrykamorska.pl/
Total partner budget
56,000 €
Address
Ulica Antona Tomšiča 35
1294 Višnja Gora
Country
Slovenia (SI)
Web
https://elvez.si/
Total partner budget
70,000 €

Roadmap

1

Context

We are co-operating with entities from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE).

2

Specific problem

The manufacturing of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) is rapidly increasing. The sector has severe negative environmental and climate impacts arising from materials use, emission of air pollutants & greenhouse gases, chemicals use and waste. Additionally increasing consumption and production of EEE makes its complex and challenging waste stream one of the fastest growing ones.

3

Idea

We are cooperating for two main reasons. Firstly to foster sustainable growth by transforming EEE manufacturing in Central Europe towards circular and resource - efficient processes, value chains, products and services. Secondly to design a policy framework and implement circular economy policy measures supporting circular EEE manufacturing and the e-waste as a resource.

4

Solution

We are going to create network of circular Labs, taking up solutions that were jointly developed and tested for improved circularity in EEE manufacturing SMEs covering the themes: 1. Materials 2. Design 3. Business Models.

5

Implementation

Our consortium will prepare transnational action plan with policy recommendation to Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP 2020) and support partners in EEE manufacturing and the E-waste management.

News

Events

Pilot actions

Outputs

Testing tools and services to support the circular transformation of EEE manufacturing SMEs

We have curated 15 tools: 5 for design, 5 for materials, and 5 for business models, all based on scientific research and expert experience. These tools can be used individually or together to improve specific areas of your business, supporting the transition to circular practices where they are needed most. All tools will be tested with over 180 SMEs from Central Europe. Join pilot actions such us workshops and individual meetings to reduce waste, enhance resource efficiency, foster competitive advantage and build companies resilience for the future.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans
In development

Enhancing Circularity: New Solutions in Design, Materials and Circular Business Models for Central Europe

All 15 tools to be tested with EEE manufacturing SMEs will uncover the know-how at the transnational level and highlight necessary improvements. These solutions are based on the experiences and refinements identified during the piloting phase. Once proven successful in a transnational context, they will be incorporated into the portfolios of stakeholders across Central Europe. With three sets of solutions targeted for delivery, CIRCOTRONIC is poised to significantly enhance circular practices in the EEE manufacturing sector.
Type of output: Solutions
In development

9 regional labs serve as Transnational Circular Network for supporting the transition to circular practices

The project is pioneering the establishment of regional circular labs across various locations. These labs will serve as innovation hubs, supporting SMEs and other stakeholders in adopting circular business models and sustainable practices. Partners will either create new virtual labs or integrate them into existing physical infrastructures. These spaces will host workshops, training sessions, tools testing, and provide ongoing consultation and support. The regional labs, establish Transnational Network that will connect SMES needs with European capabilities.
Type of output: Strategies and action plans
In development

Unified Effort for Circular Solutions: Partner Agreement for Transnational Cooperation

Based on a process of reflecting on tool implementations and envisioning cooperation within the Transnational Circular Network, the partners commit to adopt the jointly developed solutions. An agreement will be signed outlining this commitment and specifying areas of collaboration, such as knowledge exchange, joint capacity-building activities, events, mutual signposting and referrals, joint client services, and initiating B2B collaborations.
Type of output: Solutions
In development

Transnational strategic action plan for the implementation of the CEAP 2020 in the field of EEE manufacturing & E-waste

Consortium will design a transnational strategic action plan for implementing EU Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP 2020) in Central Europe. This document will outline short-term and medium-term actions required to achieve a sustainable future. It will focus on fostering circular business models and promoting sustainable practices across the electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) manufacturing sector.
Type of output: Solutions

CIRCOTRONIC

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Project on social media

Project Contacts

Project Manager

Grit Ackermann
Phone: 0038615898418

Finance Manager

Urška Spitzer
Phone: 0038615898129

Communication Manager

Magdalena Malachowska
Phone: 0048 608 405 640