The REDOL project, funded by the European Horizon Europe program, aims to transform Aragón into a Circular Hub by promoting resource optimization through material and energy exchange. This initiative seeks to reduce waste and minimize the environmental impacts associated with the consumption of raw materials and energy.
Within this framework, a series of working sessions are being developed to define the strategy of the Circular Hub with the objective of boosting the circular economy in the region. This report gathers the key aspects addressed in the initial sessions and the future perspectives of the project.
Objectives of the REDOL Project
REDOL focuses on five main value chains to close material cycles and foster reuse:
- Packaging
- Plastics
- Construction and demolition waste
- Textiles
- Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
The goal is to create opportunities among these value chains, leveraging waste from one industry as raw material for another.
Workshop development of the Circular Hub
By the end of 2025, regional companies will begin drafting the strategy for the Aragón Circular Hub. To achieve this, four working sessions will be held between December 2024 and May 2025.
The objectives of these sessions include:
- Discussion and reflection on challenges and opportunities in the circular economy.
- Coordination of actions to optimize waste management and maximize its value.
- Identification of regulatory, economic, and technical barriers.
- Definition of strategies to facilitate collaboration between companies, associations, and public institutions.
During the first working session, several preliminary conclusions were drawn. Firstly, one of the most relevant aspects discussed was the need for financial and regulatory incentives to facilitate the development of the circular economy in the region. The importance of providing financial support for research and development (R&D), improving recycling processes, and optimizing waste management was emphasized. Additionally, the need to simplify regulatory frameworks by unifying sustainability regulations was highlighted to streamline the implementation of innovative solutions. Moreover, adjusting landfill costs and establishing regulated fees to encourage recycling were considered essential to ensure that companies can access sustainable financing for circular economy projects.
Another key point addressed in the discussions was the improvement of the perception and quality of recycled materials. Despite advancements in material recovery and reuse processes, there remains a gap in the market acceptance of recycled products. To overcome this barrier, it was proposed to develop awareness strategies targeting both companies and consumers to increase confidence in the quality of recycled materials. It was also suggested to strengthen regulations on the use of recycled materials in production processes and promote awareness and training campaigns to improve waste segregation at the source and its subsequent valorization.
Regarding the role of the Circular Hub, it was highlighted that its main function should be to foster strategic alliances between companies, research centers, and public administrations. It was suggested that the Circular Hub could provide specialized legal and technological training, ensuring that companies comply with current regulations while also driving innovation in waste management. Additionally, the need for the Circular Hub to act as a knowledge exchange platform was emphasized, promoting digitalization and the use of advanced technologies to optimize efficiency in waste management and treatment. In this way, the Circular Hub is expected to become a benchmark for implementing circular practices in the region.
Finally, the objectives of the Circular Hub were defined in the short, medium, and long term. In the short term, the proposal is for the Circular Hub to focus on reducing waste generation, improving resource efficiency, and establishing a collaboration platform for key sector stakeholders. In the medium term, the importance of developing infrastructures for more cost-effective recycling was highlighted, along with establishing measurable performance indicators to evaluate the impact of implemented actions. Ultimately, in the long term, the Circular Hub is expected to influence the formulation of public policies at the regional level, expand waste management systems to less recycled materials such as textiles, and consolidate the circular economy as a strategic axis for the development of Zaragoza and Aragón.
Image 1. Results of the first working sessions of the Circular Hub (REDOL)
Project Impact in the region
The event was attended by representatives from the Zaragoza City Council, local companies, academic institutions, and key sector stakeholders. The initiative has been well received and has generated interest within the business and governmental community.
The Circular Hub aims to become a model for the transition to a circular economy, promoting efficient waste management and multisectoral collaboration.
Next Steps
The next session will take place on February 23, 2025, at the Pablo Gargallo Museum in Zaragoza, where the strategic objectives and long-term vision of the Circular Hub will be defined.
Conclusión
REDOL represents a unique opportunity to establish Aragón as a leader in the circular economy. Collaboration among companies, research centers, and public administrations will be key to achieving a sustainable model for waste and resource management.
The Circular Hub is emerging as a fundamental pillar in this process, driving innovation, training, and regulation in circular economy matters.
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