3R Connect – Reduce, Reuse, Rethink

As part of the European Green Deal, the EU launched an action plan for the circular economy, with a particular focus on sectors where the most resources were consumed and where the potential for circularity was high. This included, among others, plastics, packaging, textiles, and construction. One of the key goals of the European action plan was to “make circularity work for people, regions, and cities.” This systemic transformation required a holistic approach, where stakeholders from different innovation ecosystems across the EU had to come together for joint action.

Therefore, the 3R-Connect project aimed to connect innovation ecosystems across the EU, focusing on three regions: Greater Copenhagen, Flanders, and Northern Portugal. Through the project, companies, public actors, knowledge institutions, and other stakeholders were involved in planning joint initiatives and future projects contributing to a more circular economy in the selected sectors. This was achieved through:

1. Mapping priorities, strengths, and challenges in each of the three focus regions with a focus on circular economy within plastics (including packaging), textiles, and construction.
2. Identifying opportunities for cross-regional initiatives and future projects contributing to the circular economy.
3. Developing and planning future projects by involving innovative companies, knowledge institutions, public actors, and other stakeholders.

The 3R Connect project was funded under the Horizon Connect program (Interconnected Innovation Ecosystems).

Action Plans:

• Action Plan for Circular Economy in Plastics
• Action Plan for Circular Economy in Textiles
• Action Plan for Circular Economy in Construction

For more information, follow the project on LinkedIn.