Transnational Network of Circular Labs for EEE

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central Europe

Date of latest update: 2025-03-13

Description

Description (EN):

The manufacturing of Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) is rapidly increasing with the digitalisation of economy, society and our daily lives. EEE has severe negative environmental and climate impacts arising from materials use, emission of air pollutants & greenhouse gases, chemicals use and waste. Additionally, planned obsolescence is often used in EEE. The increasing consumption and production of EEE makes its complex and challenging waste stream one of the fasted growing ones. 12 partners from business support, academia, policy-making and regional development from strong manufacturing regions in central Europe work together in CIRCOTRONIC with the objective to: - foster sustainable growth by transforming EEE manufacturing in Central Europe towards circular and resource-efficient processes, value chains, products and services, and minimising the negative impacts of EEE - to design a policy framework and implement circular economy policy measures supporting circular EEE manufacturing and the management of E-waste as a resource. Ten CIRCOTRONIC partners will collaborate as transnational network of regional circular labs, taking up solutions that were jointly developed and tested for improved circularity in EEE manufacturing SMEs covering the themes 1) design, 2) materials & recovery, and 3) circular business models & value chains. We will capitalise knowhow, tools, approaches and instruments from existing projects and initiatives and adapt and test them in the EEE manufacturing sector. CIRCOTRONIC will prepare a transnational action plan, in which we design policy measures to implement the CEAP 2020 in Central Europe in the field of EEE manufacturing and the E-waste management, and support and monitor its up-take in the involved partner regions. A circular electrical & electronics industry is just evolving. CIRCOTRONIC engages with stakeholders, key actors and local communities to make circular change happen in a sector of key importance for Central Europe.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The project has embarked on a comprehensive approach to empower key stakeholders from business support organizations (BSO), academia, and policy to facilitate the transition to the Circular Economy within the Electrical and Electronic Equipment (EEE) manufacturing sector. Through a series of foresight workshops, regional stakeholders envisioned future scenarios, identifying opportunities and obstacles in achieving circularity. Insights gleaned from these sessions informed the development of 15 thematic group tools aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) on their circular journey. A targeted media campaign heightened awareness of circular products and processes among SMEs, laying the groundwork for piloting activities. The direct involvement of two SMEs within the partnership has provided invaluable feedback, shaping the selection and development of tools. Additionally, both SMEs have initiated internal circularity projects, further enhancing the project's impact. The establishment of circular labs and their network requires meticulous planning. The consortium has engaged in defining core concepts and operational frameworks for these labs, delving into lab design, service offerings, and stakeholder engagement strategies. Mapping stakeholders has facilitated collaboration and provided insights into the diverse ecosystem surrounding circularity efforts. Outreach efforts have raised awareness about the project and its objectives. The travelling exhibition, a flagship initiative of the circular labs network, has sparked dialogue and inspired action towards sustainability. As the project progresses, focus will shift towards practical implementation, including piloting initiatives and refining service offerings. Through these efforts, the consortium aims to establish a robust network of circular labs as catalysts for innovation and sustainable development. In parallel, the project is advancing towards drafting policy measures and actions aligned with the EU Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP) 2020. Deliverables such as the Strenght - Weaknesses - Opprtunities - Threads (SWOT) analysis and mapping of the electrical and electronic waste (E-waste) value chain provide comprehensive insights into the EEE sector in Central Europe. Discussions on the legal framework have commenced among partners, underscoring the project's commitment to addressing regulatory aspects. Overall, the project remains firmly on track to realize its objectives, poised to make significant strides in advancing circular economy practices in the EEE sector within Central Europe. With ongoing collaboration and a solid foundation established, the consortium is well-equipped to drive sustainable growth and resource efficiency in the region.

Project outputs: Pilot actions that tested tools and services to support the circular transformation of EEE manufacturing SMEs(EN)
Solutions taken up or scaled-up fostering the circular transition of EEE manufacturing SMEs(EN)
Organisation cooperating across borders in CIRCOTRONIC(EN)
Field-testing regional labs and transnational network (EN)
Uptake of regional labs and transnational network by project partners(EN)
Transnational strategic action plan for the implementation of the CEAP 2020 in the field of EEE manufacturing & E-waste in Central Europe(EN)

Thematic information

Waste and pollution

Priority: (VI-B_CE_2) Cooperating for a greener central Europe

Priority specific objective: RSO2.6. Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 075 Support to environmentally-friendly production processes and resource efficiency in SMEs

Partners (13)

Lead Partner: Gospodarska zbornica Slovenije-Združenje kemijske industrije

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999780165

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI73354376

Address: Dimičeva ulica, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.gzs.si/

Total budget: EUR 328 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 263 040.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 65 760.00

ELVEZ, proizvodnja kabelske konfekcije in predelava plastičnih mas, d.o.o.

Name: ELVEZ, proizvodnja kabelske konfekcije in predelava plastičnih mas, d.o.o.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 933945683

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI76413187

Address: Ulica Antona Tomšiča , 1294 Višnja Gora, Slovenia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: https://elvez.si/

Total budget: EUR 70 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 56 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 14 000.00

Elektryka Morska Sp. z o.o.

Name: Elektryka Morska Sp. z o.o.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: PL9552548999

Address: Ul. Gdańska, 70-660 Szczecin, Poland

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: https://www.elektrykamorska.pl/

Total budget: EUR 56 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 44 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 11 200.00

Agentúra na podporu regionálneho rozvoja Košice, n.o.

Name: Agentúra na podporu regionálneho rozvoja Košice, n.o.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 997538786

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK2021734902

Address: Strojárenská, 040 01 040 01 , Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.arr.sk

Total budget: EUR 149 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 119 840.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 29 960.00

Technische Universität Wien

Name: Technische Universität Wien

Department: Institute of Engineering Design and Product Development

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999979888

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU37675002

Address: Karlsplatz, 1040 Vienna, Austria

Department address: Lehargasse , 1060 Vienna, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.tuwien.at/

Total budget: EUR 240 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 192 640.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 48 160.00

TECOS, Razvojni center orodjarstva Slovenije

Name: TECOS, Razvojni center orodjarstva Slovenije

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999539993

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI70378193

Address: Kidričeva cesta, 3000 Celje, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.tecos.si

Total budget: EUR 196 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 157 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 39 300.00

Stowarzyszenie Media Dizajn

Name: Stowarzyszenie Media Dizajn

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 950143713

Partner’s ID if not PIC: PL8513081841

Address: Bandurskiego, 71-685 Szczecin, Poland

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.mediadizajn.pl

Total budget: EUR 173 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 139 040.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 34 760.00

T2i- trasferimento tecnologico e innovazione

Name: T2i- trasferimento tecnologico e innovazione

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 948446019

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT04636360267

Address: Piazza delle Istituzioni, 31100 Treviso, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.t2i.it

Total budget: EUR 216 850.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 173 480.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 43 370.00

Contractors:

Name: Sandrini Roberto
VAT registration or tax identification number: 03625360288

Business Upper Austria - OÖ Wirtschaftsagentur GmbH

Name: Business Upper Austria - OÖ Wirtschaftsagentur GmbH

Department: Cluster and Networks

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998776991

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU37311609

Address: Hafenstrasse, 4020 Linz, Austria

Department address: Hafenstrasse, 4020 Linz, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.biz-up.at/

Total budget: EUR 250 005.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 200 004.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 50 001.00

Technická univerzita v Košiciach

Name: Technická univerzita v Košiciach

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999839238

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK2020486710

Address: Letna , 04200 Košice, Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.tuke.sk

Total budget: EUR 196 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 156 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 39 200.00

Bayerische Forschungsallianz

Name: Bayerische Forschungsallianz

Department: SME Advisory Services

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998139119

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DE814814471

Address: Prinzregentenstr. , 80538 Munich, Germany

Department address: Prinzregentenstr. , 80538 Munich, Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.bayfor.org

Total budget: EUR 231 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 184 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 46 200.00

Regione Emilia-Romagna

Name: Regione Emilia-Romagna

Department: DG Knowledge, Labour and Enterprise Economy Research, Innovation, Energy and Sustainable Economy Unit

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999482375

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT80062590379

Address: Viale Aldo Moro, 40127 Bologna, Italy

Department address: Viale Aldo Moro, 40127 Bologna, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.regione.emilia-romagna.it/

Total budget: EUR 272 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 217 920.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 54 480.00

Stowarzyszenie Media Dizajn

Name: Stowarzyszenie Media Dizajn

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 950143713

Partner’s ID if not PIC: PL8513081841

Address: Bandurskiego, 71-685 Szczecin, Poland

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.mediadizajn.pl

Total budget: EUR 173 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 139 040.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 34 760.00

Partners map

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Transnational Network of Circular Labs for EEE

Project acronym: CIRCOTRONIC

Project ID: CE0100114

Project start date: 2023-03-01

Project end date: 2026-02-28

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

in CIRCOTRONIC, the partners (except the two SMEs) will establish circular labs. Two of the labs will be virtual, the other will be physical, either newly established or integrated into an existing lab structures.
the partners will use partly own funding or regional funding to finance the establishment and the upgrading of the lab structures (EN) | CIRCOTRONIC will deliver the knowhow and build the capacities for the circular labs and its transnational network. Equipment will be covered to a limited extent. The regional or other funding will be complementary and will cover equipment and infrastructure investments.
linked to WP2 (EN), HORIZON or other research projects
we identified a range of HORIZON projects that deal with certain aspects of EEE manufacturing or E-waste such as:
- https://circthread.com/ (Horizon 2020)
- https://cewaste.eu/ (Horizon 2020)
- https://c-serveesproject.eu/ (Horizon 2020)
- https://www.circular-flooring.eu/ (Horizon 2020)
- https://circ4life.eu (Horizon 2020)
- https://www.susmagpro.eu (Horizon 2020)
(EN) |
These HORIZON project offer on one hand valueable (technological) knowhow to the project, on the other hand, they developed concrete applications and solutions for companies. we contacted some of the projects during the application phase and will establish a closer contact during the project to bring the technological solutions but also other instuments, approaches and tools to our project.
linked to WP1 (EN), Initiatives, forums, platforms
we identified a range of platforms, forums or initiatives that provide practical guidance for companies and/ or consumers such as
the International Association of Electronic Waste Producer Responsibility Organisations https://weee-forum.org/
or the Repair club repair.eu
or the consumer help: https://www.europe-consommateurs.eu/
in a later stage of the project, we will identify local initatives like repair shops (EN) | Consumers can do a lot to reduce the environmental footprint of electrical and electronic devices. this start with the purchasing decision. Important is also the use of the device or better the prolongation of the use for instance through repair and maintainance. Finally, it is important that the elctronic devices are properly disposed or returned. New circular business models will also rely on the engagement of the consumer. That's why we included consumer awareness and engagement in CIRCOTRONIC. we will promote the already existing initiatives, platforms and project and comobine this with own awareness and engagement activities.
Linked to WP3 (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 381 955.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 905 564.00

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 1 905 564.00. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Set of tools on DESIGN
Set of tools on MATERIALS and RECOVERY
Set of tools on CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS & VALUE CHAINS
Regional foresight workshops
Media campaign for awareness, knowhow and mindset
Piloting of tools and approaches on DESIGN
Piloting of tools and approaches on MATERIALS and RECOVERY
Piloting of tools and approaches on CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS and VALUE CHAINS
Offering services as a transnational network of circular labs
Feedback and evaluation of piloting activities by SME participants
Evaluation and peer review at project level
Solutions for supporting the circular transition of EEE manufacturers
Showcasing the circular transformation of two EEE manufacturing SMEs
Guide on circular transformation of EEE sector
Transfer of knowhow outside the partnership
Building knowhow and expertise in the partnership
Mapping of complementary and similar actors, initiatives, platforms and projects
What makes a successful lab
Concepts for setting up regional circular labs for EEE
Concept for the transnational network of circular labs for EEE
Establishment of regional circular labs for EEE
Establishment of the Transnational Network of regional circular labs for EEE
Platform
Report on performance of regional circular labs and transnational network
Reflection and evaluation
Future of the transnational network of EEE labs: vision workshops and plans
Integrated concept for the travelling and the virtual exhibition
Virtual exhibition and social media campaign
Mobile exhibition travelling through all partner countries
SWOT analysis of the EEE value chain in its implications for Central Europe
Mapping of the E-waste value chain in Central Europe and identification of its shortcomings
Networking and engegement activities with policymakers and other experts and communities
Regional workshops on Futures using the speculative design approach
Transnational Strategic Action Plan to implement the CEAP 2020 in Central Europe
Indicators and milestones measuring the impact of the transnational action plan (AP)
Documenting the adoption of the Transnational strategic AP
Monitoring and evaluation of the indicators and milestones, conclusions for future work
Final conference
Collection of available consumer education and awareness tools and initiatives
Production of awareness and educational materials

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EuropeanGreenDeal The European Green Deal prepares the framework for Europe being the first climate-neutral continent. The European Green Deal will transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, ensuring:
- no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050
- economic growth decoupled from resource use
- no person and no place left behind
CIRCOTRONIC fully responds to the objectives of the Green Deal as it tackles an area that has high priority: ICT equipment and electronics, but also plastics / e-plastics a very challenging waste stream, the recovery of valueable resources like metals. all value chains that we tackle with CIRCOTRONIC.
CIRCOTRONIC contributes to the Green Deal by supporting companies in the transition to the circular economy and achieve actual results and change, in mindset, but also in products, services and business processes. Further, CIRCOTRONIC support the implementation of the EU Circular Economy Plan 2020 with concrete policy measures for the EEE manufacturing sector and E-waste in central Europe.
TerritorialAgenda2030 CIRCOTRONIC fully responds to the Territorial Agenda 2030 which promotes actions "to close material and energy loops through long-lasting design, maintenance, repair, reuse, remanufacturing, refurbishing and recycling." The TA 2030 fully supports any actions that pursue for a transition to a circular economy in the Europe. TA 2030 especially "supports the development of local and regional circular economy strategies linking local and global economies." The goal of CIRCOTRONIC is to set up a transnational network of circular design labs for EEE to support SMEs with knowhow and solutions to master circularity int he EEE manufacturing sector.
The Territorial Agenda 2030 provides an action-oriented framework to promote territorial cohesion in Europe: a future for all places. CIRCOTRONIC joins partners from very advanced to less advanced regions in Central Europe and will through capacity building, the transfer of knowhow and the joint creation of solutions, action and strategies contribute to reducing disparaties between regions.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion CIRCOTRONIC ontributes to Priority axis 8 Competitiveness of enterprises and PA 9 People and skills of the EUSDR, as the project will build capacities, develop, pilot and implement solutions leading to more sustainable and circular EEE products and a better management of e-waste. The business support infrastructure will be strengthened. The EEE sector contributes considerably to the pollution of water with the use of chemicals. CIRCOTRONIC tools will help SMEs to design-out hazardous materials and improve their environmental footprint. We will also devleop concrete policy measures to reduce the e-waste and improve the management of end-of-life electrical and electronic devices, thus contributing to the environemtnal goals of the EUSDR.
CIRCOTRONIC has 7 PP from the Danube region (AT, SI, SK).
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The support to innovation by fostering cross-sectoral collaboration is a horizontal theme of the pillar "Blue growth". CIRCOTRONIC contributes to this pillar by building capacities and "facilitating the brain circulation between research and business communities and increasing their networking and clustering capacity". It also corresponds to the pillar "Environmental quality" since its aim is "to improve waste management" and reduces the amount of plastics and hazardous materials in EEE products. CIRCOTRONIC has 5 PP from the AIR (IT & SI).
EUStrategyBalticSeaRegion CIRCOTRONIC contributes to reaching the objectives of the PA Innovation as the project will foster the implementation of novel solutions for better product efficiency by creating a sustainable business support infrastructure for implementation of a circular economy for EEE manufacturing SMEs. One themtic area of CIRCOTRONIC is circular business models and value chains, thus CIRCOTRONIC will contribute to strengthening of the Baltic Sea region as an innovative region ready to address the challenges of the 21st century. CIRCOTRONIC has 2 project partners from the BSR (PL).
EUStrategyAlpineRegion CIRCOTRONIC strongly contributes to two of the three Thematic Policy Areas, specifically to the 1st "Economic Growth and Innovation" and 3rd "Environment and Energy", as the project will develop tools and solutions to support EEE manufacturing SMEs to design-in products with the 9 R (Refuse, Rethink, Reduce, Re-use, Repair, Refurbish, Remanufacture, Repurpose, Recycle). CIRCOTRONIC is in line with AG2 and AG9 specific objectives to promote various transnational solutions that move higher up value chains or adjusting products and services to the green economy and support a better use of (local) resources. CIRCOTRONIC has 8 partners from the Alpine Region (AT, DE, IT, SI).
Other CIRCULAR ECONOMY ACTION PLAN 2020 (CEAP 2020)
The CEAP 2020 present a range of policy actions and goals to implement the Green deal. it promotes sustainable products and value chains, policies for less waste and more value, making circularity work for people, regions and cities. Electronics and ICT are exposed as a critical product value chain, as well as plastics. CEAP 2020 focuses on the design and production for a circular economy, with the aim to ensure that the resources used are kept in the EU economy for as long as possible. The CEAP 2020 anticipates close involvement of the business and stakeholder community.
CIRCOTRONIC's network of circular labs will support sustainable and circular product design of EEE and EEE circular value chains. It offers knowhow and expertise to the business community in close cooperation with the academic sector. The network is also partner for policy-makers in designing, rethinking and redesinging policy process that lead to a sustainable future.
In CIRCOTRONIC we will prepare an action plan with policy measures to implement the CEAP 2020 in Central Europe in the field of EEE manufacturing and the management of e-waste. We will support, foster and monitor the implementaiton of these policy measures, thus contributing to the implementation of the CEAP in central Europe.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders: 20.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSBSR

EUSBSR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSBSR Degree of compliance:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSALP

EUSALP Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSALP Degree of compliance:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central Europe

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-03-31

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

100 / 100 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 017 / 1 018 (99.9%)

Notes on the data

Programme's webpage last visited on 2025-03-17.

Languages

Contact Form

Transnational Network of Circular Labs for EEE

Description

Thematic information

Partners (13)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Disclaimer