Description (EN): Programme area common challenge the project tackles is the need for improving sustainability and resource efficiency within the realm of 2 industries in Bulgaria-Türkiye CB region - manufacture of loaded electronic boards and glass processing. Environmental and resource-related challenges that need to be addressed are:
Manufacture of loaded electronic boards - printed circuit boards (PCBs) requires significant amounts of raw materials, incl. metals (copper, gold, silver), plastics, chemical additives and involves multiple energy-intensive stages (material extraction, fabrication, assembly, testing). PCB manufacturing generates significant amounts of waste, including trimmings, offcuts, and rejected boards. The disposal of obsolete or end-of-life PCBs contributes to e-waste accumulation, which is a challenge for recycling and proper disposal. Disposal of PCBs, either through landfilling or incineration releases hazardous substances into the environment. Addressing these challenges requires integrated environmental approach as adopting cleaner production technologies, promoting resource efficiency and recycling, fostering collaboration across the industry to drive innovation and best practices.
Glass processing, incl. cutting, shaping, and finishing, also has several environmental and resource-related challenges. It requires significant energy inputs during heating and shaping stages, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Glass processing techniques as cutting and polishing require water for cooling and lubrication, which may strain local water resources and contribute to water pollution if not properly managed and treated. Glass processing methods involve the use of chemicals for cleaning, etching, coating and improper handling and disposal of these chemicals leads to soil and water contamination, posing risks to human health and ecosystems. Glass processing generates various types of waste, including offcuts, trimmings, scrap glass, which may end up in landfills if not recycled or reused, contributing to the depletion of landfill space and environmental pollution. Addressing these challenges requires technological innovations and industry best practices as improving energy efficiency, optimizing water usage, implementing pollution prevention measures, promoting recycling and circular economy principles, and adopting cleaner production technologies.
To address these challenges, Hedy Computers EOOD and AÇIKGÖZ CAM ve PENCERE SİSTEMLERİ developed the project “HEAC Pilot” which overall objective is to implement innovative circular economy practices in the production processes of printed circuit boards (PCBs) and glass processing within the CB context. This involves developing and piloting sustainable, resource-efficient and circular approaches that minimize waste generation, promote material reuse and recycling, and enhance the environmental sustainability of these industries across borders. Through collaborative efforts and knowledge exchange between the partners, the project aims to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of circular economy principles in PCB production and glass processing, ultimately contributing to the transition towards more sustainable and resilient manufacturing practices.
The proposed technological investments in the 2 enterprises in the CB region will optimize resource use, minimize environmental impact, facilitate the implementation of sustainable production practices. LP1 will develop and launch a production line for PCBs including recycling, PP2 will develop and launch an automated glass processing line connected to the cutting process.
Main project outputs: 1) supported main economic activities of 2 enterprises in the CB region by investing in resource-efficient production technologies; 2) Re-shaped first stage of glass processing to reduce waste generated and increase the life of the final product through increased capacity - 120 pieces of tempered finished mixed glass production per hour from the initial production quantity of 25 pieces/hour); 3) replaced virgin material with "secondary raw material" - PCBs production using materials from old PCBs); 4) prolonged life of PCBs that otherwise will be disposed - repair of PCBs; 5) waste reduction - old PCBs will not be discharged as waste, they will be used in new production.
The key components of project collaborative approach are: CB Collaboration between the 2 companies from BG and TR to leverage expertise, share resources, foster synergies for achieving common sustainability goals; open dialogue and collaboration to accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies and practices across the region; pilot actions to showcase best practices for enhancing product durability and resource efficiency. CB approach will address environmental challenges across the border more effectively and promote coordinated action to achieve common sustainability goals based on partners’ strengths and resources.
Read more Actual Achievements (EN): During this reporting period the partnership successfully implemented all the necessary activities to secure regular and efficient overall project management that guides the project from initiation to closure as follows:
1) To develop and manage the integration of sustainable production practices that result in reduced waste generation, replacement of virgin material with "secondary raw material" and product durability in 2 enterprises in Bulgaria-Turkey cross-border area within “HEAC pilot” project, thereby fostering greater resource efficiency and circular economy approaches:
- prepared official documents for assigning and nominating the project team members from each PP (LP – 1 Project Manager, 1 Project Accountant; PP2 – 1 Project Coordinator, 1 Project Accountant);
- assigned users to PPs and granted individual access rights to PPs in JEMS;
- completed JEMS section “Contracting”/“Project Managers”;
- approved PPP of LP on 7 Oct 25; prepared and submitted PPP of PP2 to JS (requested clarification on 9 Oct 25 and sent on 13 Oct 25);
- submitted Initial Compatibility Check Sheet (Annex 9);
- organized dedicated space for the storage of the project documentation and the project archive marked with project visualization by PPs;
- requested and received 1st 10% of the advance payment for the project and transferred share to PP2;
- participation in online training on Decree 4 of the Council of Ministers in Sept 2025;
- Request for modification No1/31.10.2025 of the Project Time Table approved on 10 Nov 25, version 3.0 of the AF is updated in JEMS’
- JS requested clarifications on 4 Nov 25 regarding Detailed Technical Specifications for Supplies and Market Analysis of PP2 – PP2 prepared updated technical documentation and clarification materials in accordance with the request by the Joint Secretariat on 04.11.2025. In full cooperation with MA/JS, PP2 initiated a comprehensive revision of the technical specifications previously submitted in Annex B10_PP2_EN, which had contained sections in both Chinese and English and were therefore not suitable for inclusion in the tender dossier. These specifications were rewritten in a clear, harmonised and PRAG-compliant form, preserving the original technical characteristics as approved in the Application Form. The updated technical specifications have been attached to the clarification package. Additionally, PP2 conducted a new market price research for the three machines included in Budget Category 5. New quotations dated 14.11.2025 were obtained under the same procurement conditions as during the application period. As before, the offers excluded VAT and additional expenses such as customs duties, transportation, installation and training - costs that PP2 has committed to cover from its own resources, as reconfirmed in the renewed declaration. Unlike the application period, the updated market research was prepared by first converting USD prices into EUR using the applicable InforEuro exchange rate (1 EUR = 1.15 USD for November 2025). Despite a noticeable increase in the USD values due to market inflation, the EUR-equivalent prices fully align with the figures already approved in BC5 of the Subsidy Contract. Therefore, the updated research confirms the validity of the originally contracted budget structure and demonstrates that the financial envelope remains appropriate and realistic for current market conditions. This work contributes to the project implementation by ensuring that the procurement procedures can proceed without delay, with complete technical documentation and an up-to-date financial baseline. PP2’s efforts also support the coordination with the Lead Partner by ensuring that the investment component remains feasible, contractually consistent and ready for PRAG-compliant tender launch. Overall, PP2’s activities in this reporting period have significantly advanced the preparation of the project’s key deliverables and have strengthened the technical and administrative readiness of the investment actions.
2) Implementation of circular and resource-efficient solutions in the production process of the 2 enterprises through investments in equipment - On 31.10.2025 PPs requested modification to adjust the Project Time Plan to ensure that all project activities are implemented in an effective, transparent, and purposeful manner for deliverables 2.1.1, 2.1.2, 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 2.1.3. The modification request is based on the need to provide both project partners with sufficient time to complete the planned procurement and installation activities in a compliant and efficient manner. The modification was approved on 10.11.2025. PPs started to develop the tender procedure documentations necessary for the investments.
During this reporting period the partnership successfully implemented all necessary activities to maintain efficient project implementation including planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the project activities and to contribute to the implementation of the specific objectives as follows:
1) To develop and manage the integration of sustainable production practices that result in reduced waste generation, replacement of virgin material with "secondary raw material" and product durability in 2 enterprises in Bulgaria-Turkey cross-border area within “HEAC pilot” project, thereby fostering greater resource efficiency and circular economy approaches – Prepared Partner report 1 of LP (02/09/2025-1/12/2025). Reviewed Partner report 1 of PP2. Prepared Project report 1 (content) for the period 02/09/2025-1/12/2025, submitted on 12/12/2025. Prepared Request for Modification No. 2/ 07.01.2026 incl.: 1) LP modification of the technical specifications of the equipment to be delivered within the project; 2) PP2 modification for: formal alignment of the budgetary presentation of PP2’s supplies under Budget Category 5 with the currency logic applied at the application stage; replacement of application-phase technical and financial annexes of PP2 (submitted for indicative and evaluation purposes) with updated, harmonised, and procurement-ready documentation, fully compliant with PRAG and suitable for incorporation into the tender dossier; confirmation of the approved financial budget which remains valid, realistic, and sufficient, based on objective and up-to-date market evidence. The modification of PP2 is related to identified discrepancy between PP2’s budget and the supporting documentation attached to the Subsidy Contract. According to the statements, confirmed by checks of Joint Secretariat experts, the budget allocation for PP2’s supplies was set in the currency of the market analysis conducted at the application stage (i.e., in USD) instead of in EUR). Request for Modification No. 2/ 07.01.2026 is submitted to JS on 07/01/2026. The request for LP modification of the technical specifications of the equipment to be delivered within the project is approved by JS on 20/01/2026 with Letter of notification from 16.01.2026. The requested modification of PP2 has been reviewed by JS. On 21/01/2026 JS requested additional clarifications and further action from PP2 including the preparation of new Annex 8 “Request for modification” only concerning the modification of PP2 that has to be submitted with all supporting documents provided so far and the additional ones requested by JS. On 27/01/2026 LP sent notification to MA regarding the modification of the bank account on the project. The new bank account is updated in JEMS and FIF is enclosed. LP participated in the Initial monitoring meeting, organized by JS on 09/02/2026. LP signed and sent to JS Annex 4 – “Declaration for virtual visit” and Initial monitoring meeting report. On 26/02/2026 LP sent to JS and MA the Request for modification 3/26.02.2026 related to the investment component for Project Partner 2 (PP2) under Budget Category 5 (Equipment). LP communicated with PP2 regarding the preparation of Partner report 2 of PP2.
2) Implementation of circular and resource-efficient solutions in the production process of the 2 enterprises through investments in equipment – LP prepared tender procedure with subject: “Delivery and installation of a multi-component production line for the production of printed circuit boards using surface mount technology according on the project Driving Cross-Border Circular Pilot in Printed Circuit Board Production and Glass Processing” According to Chapter 4, Section 4.1 of PIM. Оn 26/02/2026 LP has sent the tender dossier to JS to be published on https://www.eufunds.bg/ on the date 04/03/2026. Deadline for submitting offers: 12/03/2026.
PPs successfully implemented all necessary activities to maintain efficient project implementation incl. planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the project activities and to contribute to the implementation of the specific objectives as follows:
1) To develop and manage the integration of sustainable production practices that result in reduced waste generation, replacement of virgin material with "secondary raw material" and product durability in 2 enterprises in Bulgaria-Turkey cross-border area within “HEAC pilot” project, thereby fostering greater resource efficiency and circular economy approaches
- Prepared Partner report of LP & reviewed Partner report of PP2 for period 2 (02/12/2025-1/03/2026)
- Prepared & submitted on 11/03/2026 Project report 2 (content) for period 02/12/2025-1/03/2026
- Prepared & submitted Request for modification № 3/26.02.2026: 1) technical & documentary alignment of technical annexes for the investment; 2) Inclusion of additional own co-financing by PP2. Modification approved by JS on 16/03/2026
- Signed Addendum No 1 RD-02-29-1044-(1)/23.03.2026 for inclusion of 40943 euro own co-financing of PP2 for customs fees, shipping, on-site installation & staff training for contracting and supply of the investment component – Glass Drilling Machine, High Pressure Water Cutting Machine and Glass Washing, Drying Machine
- Programme Visibility Identity Manual review completed. Declaration sent to JS confirming both PPs familiarity with the Manual
- Prepared & submitted to NA Request for 2nd advance payment - 10% of the total amount of the SC requested as in accordance with p.3.3. Advance payment of PIM, Version 3/2026 after 1 of the partners (LP) awarded a contract for investment activity
- Following the approval of the latest project modification request through the Addendum dated 23.03.2026, PP2 updated its Project Procurement Plan in line with the approved project framework, revised budgetary structure & procurement requirements. The updated PPP was submitted for approval before launching the tender procedure and was approved on 24.04.2026. This constituted an essential preparatory step, as it confirmed the procurement method, scope, timing & estimated value of the procedure related to the delivery & installation of the project’s main equipment.
2) Implementation of circular and resource-efficient solutions in the production process of the 2 enterprises through investments in equipment
- LP published tender procedure “Delivery and installation of a multi-component production line for the production of printed circuit boards using surface mount technology according on the project Driving Cross-Border Circular Pilot in Printed Circuit Board Production and Glass Processing” on 04/03/2026 on the Single information portal on European Union FUNDS and on LP Facebook page. 2 submitted offers within the deadline 12/03/2026. Procedure completed and contracted. Contract in implementation.
- After the approval of the updated Project Procurement Plan PP2 finalized the tender dossier for delivery and installation of Waterjet Machine, Glass Washing Machine, Glass Drilling Machine. The procurement under WP2, Activity 2.2, Budget Category 5 is a supply procedure through a Local Open Procedure. The updated procurement planning reflected the equipment value & the additional costs to be covered by PP2 as own co-financing, incl. customs duties, transport, shipping, on-site installation, staff training.
PP2 launched the local open tender procedure on 30.04.2026 - publication reference BGTR0300162-PP2-SUP-01, “Delivery and installation of Waterjet Machine, Glass Washing Machine and Glass Drilling Machine” in Edirne, Türkiye. Tender dossier was made available on PP2 website and on the Interreg IPA Bulgaria- Türkiye Programme website. This step represents an important milestone for PP2, as the procurement procedure directly concerns the core investment of the partner and constitutes the basis for the implementation of the main technical activity foreseen in the project.
Before the original deadline for submission of tenders, PP2 issued a Change Notice in order to ensure a clearer and more transparent understanding of the tender requirements by all potential tenderers published on PP2 website and on the Interreg IPA Bulgaria- Türkiye Programme website. Through this Change Notice, minor amendments were introduced to the tender dossier, particularly to clarify the interpretation of the economic & financial capacity criterion related to turnover requirements. The relevant tender documents: Contract Notice, Additional Information about the Contract Notice, Instructions to Tenderers were updated accordingly. To provide sufficient time for tenderers to prepare their offers in light of introduced clarification, the deadline for tenders submission was extended from 01.06.2026 to 08.06.2026 & the tender opening session was rescheduled accordingly.
LP successfully implemented all activities to maintain efficient project implementation incl. planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of the project and to contribute to the implementation of the specific objectives as follows:
1) To develop and manage the integration of sustainable production practices that result in reduced waste generation, replacement of virgin material with "secondary raw material" and product durability in 2 enterprises in Bulgaria-Turkey cross-border area within “HEAC pilot” project, thereby fostering greater resource efficiency and circular economy approaches
- Prepared Partner report of LP & reviewed Partner report of PP2 for period 2 (02/12/2025-1/03/2026)
- Prepared & submitted on 11/03/2026 Project report 2 (content) for period 02/12/2025-1/03/2026
- Prepared & submitted Request for modification № 3/26.02.2026: 1) technical & documentary alignment of technical annexes for the investment; 2) Inclusion of additional own co-financing by PP2. Modification approved by JS on 16/03/2026
- Signed Addendum No 1 RD-02-29-1044-(1)/23.03.2026 for inclusion of 40943 euro own co-financing of PP2 for customs fees, shipping, on-site installation & staff training for contracting and supply of the investment component – Glass Drilling Machine, High Pressure Water Cutting Machine and Glass Washing, Drying Machine
- Programme Visibility Identity Manual review completed. Declaration sent to JS confirming both PPs familiarity with the Manual
- Prepared & submitted to NA Request for 2nd advance payment - 10% of the total amount of the SC requested as in accordance with p.3.3. Advance payment of PIM, Version 3/2026 after 1 of the partners (LP) awarded a contract for investment activity
- Following the approval of the latest project modification request through the Addendum dated 23.03.2026, PP2 updated its Project Procurement Plan in line with the approved project framework, revised budgetary structure & procurement requirements. The updated PPP was submitted for approval before launching the tender procedure and was approved on 24.04.2026. This constituted an essential preparatory step, as it confirmed the procurement method, scope, timing & estimated value of the procedure related to the delivery & installation of the project’s main equipment.
2) Implementation of circular and resource-efficient solutions in the production process of the 2 enterprises through investments in equipment
- LP published tender procedure “Delivery and installation of a multi-component production line for the production of printed circuit boards using surface mount technology according on the project Driving Cross-Border Circular Pilot in Printed Circuit Board Production and Glass Processing” on 04/03/2026 on the Single information portal on European Union FUNDS and on LP Facebook page. 2 submitted offers within the deadline 12/03/2026. Procedure completed and contracted. Contract in implementation. Advance payment implemented to the contractor, certified by controller and included in this finance project report.
- After approval of updated Project Procurement Plan PP2 finalized the tender dossier for delivery and installation of Waterjet Machine, Glass Washing Machine, Glass Drilling Machine. The procurement under WP2, Activity 2.2, Budget Category 5 is a supply procedure through a Local Open Procedure. The updated procurement planning reflected the equipment value & the additional costs to be covered by PP2 as own co-financing, incl. customs duties, transport, shipping, on-site installation, staff training.
PP2 launched local open tender procedure on 30.04.2026 - publication reference BGTR0300162-PP2-SUP-01, “Delivery and installation of Waterjet Machine, Glass Washing Machine and Glass Drilling Machine” in Edirne, Türkiye. Tender dossier was made available on PP2 website and on Interreg IPA Bulgaria- Türkiye Programme website. This step is an important milestone for PP2, as the procurement procedure directly concerns the core investment of the partner and constitutes the basis for the implementation of the main technical activity on the project.
Before the original deadline for submission of tenders, PP2 issued a Change Notice in order to ensure a clearer and more transparent understanding of the tender requirements by all potential tenderers published on PP2 website and on Interreg IPA Bulgaria- Türkiye Programme website. Through this Change Notice, minor amendments were introduced to the tender dossier, particularly to clarify the interpretation of the economic & financial capacity criterion related to turnover requirements. The relevant tender documents: Contract Notice, Additional Information about the Contract Notice, Instructions to Tenderers were updated accordingly. To provide sufficient time for tenderers to prepare their offers in light of introduced clarification, the deadline for tenders submission was extended from 01.06.2026 to 08.06.2026 & the tender opening session was rescheduled accordingly.
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