Did you know that the average European company still discards an incredible amount of waste that could serve as a strategic resource for achieving sustainable and improved business results? While most view the circular economy as a distant theory, the foundations for real change were laid in Casarano, Italy, on February 24th and 25th, 2026.
To talk about adopting circular economy principles, we first had to empower the drivers of change: manufacturers' associations, development agencies, and utility companies. This was precisely the goal of the second AWASTER Training Session, held on February 24th in the historic setting of the Antico Sedile Comunale.
Hosted by the Municipality of Casarano, the sessions presented topics that concretely link the circular economy with the business sector, alongside practical examples for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Path to Change: Capacity Building Training Session
In his opening presentation, Andrea Poldrugovac (IRENA – Istrian Regional Energy Agency Ltd., Lead Partner of AWASTER) provided an overview of the project’s objectives and structure, highlighting AWASTER’s commitment to promoting circular economy approaches through education, awareness-raising and cross-border cooperation across five pilot regions.
Simone Zecca (Studio Sigma) explored how circular economy principles can be communicated in a business-friendly way. His intervention clarified how circular business models preserve the value of materials and products, reduce resource dependency and enhance competitiveness. Concrete examples relevant for SMEs demonstrated that circular economy is not only an environmental strategy, but also a driver of innovation, cost reduction and market differentiation.
Sara Ferigo (SINLOC) focused on effective communication and engagement strategies for businesses. Drawing on insights from previous AWASTER regional workshops, she identified common barriers faced by companies — including lack of awareness, upfront investment costs, limited expertise and perceived complexity — alongside key drivers such as cost savings, regulatory compliance, supply chain resilience and customer demand.
Using the interactive World Café method, participants were divided into thematic groups to provide answers and feedback on questions such as: "Where is our knowledge lacking?", "How can we motivate companies to take action?", "What are the barriers holding us back?", and "What can we learn from the experiences of partner countries?"
"Our goal is not just to educate, but to demonstrate that the circular economy is functional and profitable here and now. Iti s strategic asset with long-term economic, environmental and social benefits. We want to share the tools and know-how for everyone to achieve this independently," said Tea Kuzmičić Rosandić, project manager at Sunce.
Practical tools were introduced, including structured innovation methodologies (such as MEDSSIM), ecosystem mapping, digital readiness assessment and sustainable business model design, providing organisations with actionable approaches to guide companies through transformation processes.
The discussions emphasized that economic drivers remain a primary motivator for SMEs, that tailored communication is essential, and that long-term trust-building and local networks are critical for sustainable change.
Waste-Free Event: Putting Theory into Practice
Many claim it’s impossible to organize a public event without generating piles of waste. Casarano proved them wrong. The first "Waste-Free" event was held at the Ex Mercato Coperto, where the host and project partner, the Municipality of Casarano, demonstrated how training theory looks in practice. They showcased how public gatherings can be successfully executed with a minimal ecological footprint by promoting local products and eliminating single-use materials.
"Kudos to the Municipality for organizing such an event. Unfortunately, we often see heaps of trash on the streets after public gatherings; we hope that events like this will become the standard," noted one citizen during the event.
The program featured best-practice examples in the circular economy, with an emphasis on material reuse, reducing single-use plastics, responsible waste management, and the promotion of sustainable local goods. Participants had the opportunity to discover concrete solutions and initiatives applicable to both the local community and the business sector.
"Events like this show that sustainability is not an abstract concept, but a concrete practice capable of generating value for our territory. Casarano aims to play a leading role in an ecological transition that combines environmental protection, economic growth, and social cohesion. The active participation of citizens and businesses confirms we are moving in the right direction," emphasized the Mayor of Casarano, Pompilio Giovanni Ottavio De Nuzzo.
Technical and Steering Committee Meeting
While the impressions from the workshops were still settling, the 4th Technical and Steering Committee Meeting took place on February 24th and 25th. On this occasion, the partners conducted a detailed review of the project's implementation progress and the activities achieved to date, while defining the work plan for the upcoming final project period.
As part of the meeting, an internal interactive workshop focused on dissemination activities was also held.
"Our vision is that AWASTER does not end with the project itself. We have defined the steps, target groups, and deadlines that will ensure the lessons learned become a lasting standard in our regions. We want a community where the circular economy is synonymous with business success," concluded Andrea Poldrugovac from IRENA – Istrian Regional Energy Agency, the lead partner of the AWASTER project.
The AWASTER project is dedicated to educating and supporting businesses in adopting circular economy principles. We invite you to follow the project's upcoming activities. Join the transition that brings profit to both you and nature.
