Veltha IVZW - LOOPS by VELTHA

LOOPS by VELTHA IS A WEBINAR SERIES ON CIRCULAR ECONOMY

The goal is to have a dynamic exchange and debate between pioneering EU-funded projects in different sectors and processes: from wood to plastics. This focused webinar brings together experts and stakeholders from each project to discuss strategies, challenges, and successes in transitioning towards a sustainable circular economy.

Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of how these projects are innovating within their sectors, contributing to environmental sustainability, and influencing policy at the European level. Engage with us in this critical conversation to shape a greener future.

LOOPS|Defining the Next Generation of Sustainable Nutrition

As Europe advances its ambitions for a circular and sustainable bioeconomy, increasing attention is being given to innovative ways of transforming food-systems that benefit both the environment and society. This webinar explores how research and innovation are contributing to these objectives. Emphasis is placed on development of bio-based solutions that support resource efficiency, circularity, and human well-being. The session highlights complementary approaches, ranging from the production of biostimulants and soil health solutions from organic resources to the valorisation of agricultural by-products into functional food ingredients. The invited project also discuss how innovation across different stages of the bio-based value chain can strengthen sustainability while creating new opportunities for agriculture, industry, and public health.

SPIN-FERT focuses on advancing sustainable soil management through the development of innovative biobased inputs, including biostimulants, biofertilisers, and microbial solutions. The project integrates advanced soil assessment methodologies combining chemical, physical, and biological indicators with digital tools such as imaging, robotics, and sensor-based monitoring. Its work contributes to improving soil quality understanding and supporting more resilient and resource-efficient agricultural systems within a circular bioeconomy framework.

4Sir2 addresses childhood obesity by investigating bioactive compounds such as resveratrol and polyphenols and their potential to modulate sirtuin pathways associated with metabolic health. Enriched with these compounds, the project is developing a healthy, fruit-based smoothie that combines nutritional innovation with sustainable food processing methods. The project also applies circular bioeconomy principles by valorising the remaining grape pomace after the extraction process where the dried pomace, after trans-resveratrol extraction, is processed into an organic fertiliser. This creates a closed-loop approach, where agricultural by-products are transformed into both high-value functional food ingredients and bio-based inputs for sustainable viticulture.

LOOPS|Advanced Tracking Technologies for Critical Raw Material Recovery

In line with the European Green Deal, the Circular Economy Action Plan, and the Critical Raw Materials Act, this webinar explore how EU-funded research projects are developing innovative approaches to support more sustainable and resilient circular value chains for CRMs in WEEE. Particular attention will be given to advanced tracking technologies that enhance transparency and traceability across value chains, including Digital Product Passports (DPPs) and digital marketplaces, and their role in supporting the recovery of CRMs across the EU. Alongside the technological developments presented by the projects, Sotirios Kanellopoulos from DG Environment of the European Commission present barriers and policy implications related to the implementation and scaling of these technologies.

EVEN CLOSER aims to establish a pan-European network of regional stakeholders dedicated to the efficient collection, recycling, and reprocessing of semiconductor-based components to enable circular solutions for critical raw materials (Si, Ga, In, Ge) within the EU. Key objectives include integration of less developed regions in such a network, combining regional pre-processing and re-manufacturing with improved recycling technologies. Additionally, EVEN CLOSER will integrate Digital Product Passports into a digital marketplace to enhance material tracking and support circular resource management.

APOLLO develops innovative solutions for the recycling, remanufacturing, and reuse of photovoltaic modules, with a particular focus on high-value silicon recovery and circular traceability systems. The project integrates Digital Product Passports and an online marketplace for reused and recycled PV components in order to enhance transparency, support circular business models, and facilitate the reintegration of recovered materials into the European PV value chain.

RETURN aims to build the first fully circular, economically viable ecosystem for recovering critical metals (Gold, Copper, Palladium, and Silver) from electronic waste. By combining Deep Eutectic Solvents, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain technology, the project is replacing energy-intensive smelting with precision urban mining. Recovered metals will carry a DPP that links key information directly to each output material product. DPPs will underpin sales on a Digital Marketplace developed by the project.

LOOPS|Towards Energy-Autonomous Medical Implants

Implantable biomedical devices hold significant promise for improving patient outcomes in areas such as prosthetics, organ support, and continuous physiological monitoring. A key challenge for these technologies, however, remains their reliance on external or finite power sources, which can limit long-term operation and often necessitate invasive maintenance or replacement procedures. In this LOOPS webinar we explore how recent advances in metabolic and mechanical energy harvesting are being applied to medical devices to address these limitations. By examining emerging approaches that draw energy directly from the human body, the session highlights how such strategies can support the development of next-generation smart implants that are more autonomous, longer-lasting, and better integrated with physiological processes.

Blood2Power aims to develop intelligent vascular grafts and implants that can harvest energy from the natural flow of blood using triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technologies. As blood moves through the cardiovascular system, its mechanical motion is converted into electrical energy by nanoscale triboelectric structures integrated into the implant’s design. This harvested energy can power embedded sensors and enable wireless monitoring of the implant’s performance and local physiological conditions in real time. The approach opens opportunities for more responsive, safer cardiovascular devices that can support early detection of complications, and reduce the need for follow-up surgeries.

INTEGRATE is developing the next generation of implantable soft actuators and artificial organs that are powered directly by the patient’s own metabolic (biochemical) energy. By leveraging biochemical processes already present in the body, INTEGRATE aims to create energy-autonomous biomedical systems capable of sustained operation over long periods. The project combines advances in bio-integrated materials, energy harvesting, and actuator design to address fundamental limitations of current implantable technologies, such as limited battery life and the need for replacement surgeries.

LOOPS|Advanced Sorting as a Key Enabler for Circular WEEE Value Chains

A key objective in advancing material circularity for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) depends on our ability to improve how valuable components are identified, separated, and prepared for recovery. In this episode of LOOPS, we focus on advanced sorting, separation, and pre-treatment approaches for WEEE, and on how these upstream steps directly influence downstream recovery, purification, and the overall performance of circular value chains. The discussion highlight technology development, scale-up and implementation perspectives.

EVEN CLOSER aims to establish a pan-European network of regional stakeholders dedicated to the efficient collection, recycling, and reprocessing of semiconductor-based components. Key objectives cover integration of less developed regions in such a network, combining regional pre-processing and re-manufacturing with improved recycling technologies, including optimized hydrometallurgical recovery processes, and digital product tracking. The project will adapt and scale-up a high-speed sorting tool for loose electronic components extracted from dismantled WEEE for the automatic recognition and elemental sorting of semiconductor-rich components.

Situated in Zaragoza, Spain, REDOL aims to transform cities into hubs for circularity by redesigning solid urban waste value chains through industrial–urban symbiosis approaches. The project encompasses 5 value-chains, including one use-case for WEEE. Within this use-case, the project will develop an automatic sorting machine that integrates computer vision together with a robot, allowing components to be extracted from PCBs automatically to undergo a gold recovery process that consists of chemical extraction using hydrometallurgical techniques and electrolysis.

LOOPS|From WEEE Data to Recovery of Critical Raw Materials

WEEE streams contain significant quantities of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) that are essential for Europe’s green and digital transitions. Their recovery is a strategic necessity for Europe, supporting resource security, industrial competitiveness, and the transition to a low-carbon, digital economy. Extracting these materials requires reliable data on material stocks and losses, as well as recovery technologies that can translate evidence into practical outcomes across different regional contexts. In this LOOPS session we focus on how data-driven analysis of WEEE streams can inform and support such recovery solutions informed by projects FutuRaM, METIUM, and EVEN CLOSER. By connecting data analysis with real-world processing and implementation experience, we explore how targeted strategies can improve CRM recovery and strengthen circular supply chains.

EVEN CLOSER aims to establish a pan-European network of regional stakeholders dedicated to the efficient collection, recycling, and reprocessing of semiconductor-based components. Key objectives include integration of less developed regions in such a pan-European network. The project combines regional pre-processing and re-manufacturing with improved recycling technologies, including optimized hydrometallurgical recovery processes, and digital product tracking.

The METIUM project is working to establish the first EU Interregional Urban Mining Innovation Ecosystem, developing 4 cross-border Strategic Raw Materials value chains with 15 demonstrators from collection to hydrometallurgy. Their objectives are centered on a “Hydromet Triangle” that scales five sustainable hydrometallurgical processes, with 19 partners across eight less-developed regions.

FutuRaM will improve the knowledge base around Secondary Raw Materials (2RMs) in waste streams, with a special focus on CRMs. Through data analysis, modelling, and scenario development, the project provides evidence-based insights into where CRMs are embedded, where losses occur in current systems, and how improved collection and recovery can strengthen circular supply chains. In support of this, the project has developed an Urban Mine Platform, a knowledge base on the availability and recoverability of 2RMs within the EU.

LOOPS 3.0 #8 | Unlocking the Circular Potential of Critical Raw Materials
with CE-RISE and CLOSER

Securing the resources needed for Europe’s green and digital transitions requires more than diversifying supply chains—it demands innovative strategies to close material loops and promote circularity. One key aspect of this is optimizing the recovery, reuse, and recycling of materials critical for technologies in sectors such as renewable energy and digital, as outlined in the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act. In this episode of LOOPS, we highlight the potential of circular solutions for Critical Raw Materials to achieve these objectives. From advancing sustainable e-waste processing to leveraging digital tools, we explore how the novel approaches of two EU-funded projects in the field that are paving the way toward a more resource-efficient and resilient future for the EU.

CE-RISE focuses on optimizing the reuse, recovery, and recycling of Critical Raw Materials by designing an integrated framework that assesses product reusability and material composition. Through the use of digital product passports, the project connects data on environmental footprints with the socio-economic impacts of circular processes, advancing the sustainable and efficient use of secondary raw materials across value chains.

CLOSER aims to establish a European closed loop for semiconductors, organising the ecosystem for Critical Raw Materials from e-waste, back into sustainable chips and microelectronics. The project emphasizes advanced techniques for collection, extraction, and recycling while integrating digital solutions to enhance circular value chains. The project also supports strategic autonomy in semiconductor production and promotes circularity in photovoltaics for cleaner energy systems.

LOOPS 3.0 #7 | The LOOP Cluster Special Edition

A special edition of the LOOPS webinar series organized with EURADA - European Association of Development Agencies, featuring the four innovative projects from the LOOP cluster: Agro2Circular, CIRCULAR FOAM, EcoeFISHent, and FRONTSH1P.

Stakeholder engagement is crucial for driving the circular economy, but identifying and engaging the right players can be a challenge. For this episode of LOOPS, we’ll dive into strategies for connecting with both private and public stakeholders and explore key support schemes, with support from the Hubs4Circularity Community of Practice and the Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) present.

LOOPS 3.0 #6 | New Approaches for Future Oriented Industries: TULIPS- RaRe2

Addressing climate goals presents ongoing challenges across various sectors within the EU. Beyond reducing CO2 emissions, the focus spans preparing for future climate impacts, currently addressed by several EU-funded research projects across diverse domains. This episode of LOOPS showcases pioneering, holistic approaches made by two projects in this regard. From Material Exchange Platforms to Digital Product Passports, LOOPS returns to highlight their significant strides towards reaching a sustainable future.

TULIPS aims to accelerate the implementation of innovative and sustainable technologies at airports. The project focuses on developing sustainable practices at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, with collaborative efforts from partner airports in Oslo, Turin, and Larnaka. These efforts are directed towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and aligning with EU climate objectives through strategic measurement and forecasting. Key innovations, such as Digital Product Passports and an Excess Materials Exchange Platform, are integral to their approach.

The RaRe2 project aims to create a flexible and resilient ecosystem platform for European manufacturing by enabling rapid reconfiguration of processes and workforce upskilling. By leveraging solutions such as AI-based detection and collaborative systems, RaRe2 will help the industry adapt quickly to market changes, disruptions, and crises caused by climate-related events. To achieve this, some of the project’s focus points are early issue detection, rapid adaptation of supply chains, and empowering decision-makers.

LOOPS 3.0 #5 | Digital Solutions for Circular Growth:
TREASoURcE meets WASABI

As the European Commission advances its commitment to the twin transition—merging green and digital initiatives under the Green Deal and Digital Strategy—LOOPS returns to highlight the synergy between digitalization and sustainability. In this episode, we spotlight two pioneering EU-funded projects at this intersection. From harnessing AI to leveraging innovative digital solutions promoting circular economy principles, we explore how these projects are driving tangible progress towards the EU's sustainability goals.

TREASoURcE develops circular systemic solutions for underutilized plastic, electric vehicle batteries, and bio-based waste. It has launched a digital marketplace in Finland connecting sellers and buyers of bio-based side streams.

The WASABI project provides SMEs with advanced user interfaces and an intelligent assistant, enhancing workforce performance with AI-driven guidance. This simplifies software interactions, benefits workers, and supports sustainability goals.

LOOPS 3.0 #4 | Innovation in Plastic Recycling:
MAELSTROM - INCREACE - PRIMUS

The EU Council and Parliament reached an agreement on packaging regulations with single use plastics, emphasizing recyclability and reducing harmful substances. In this LOOPS episode we analyze three different and innovative EU funded project addressing the circularity in different steps:

MAELSTROM is working to integrate complementary technologies for sustainable marine litter removal in European coastal ecosystems. INCREACE works with interdisciplinary solutions across the value chain such as data-driven sorting and blockchain verification. The PRIMUS project aims to enhance the resilience of the EU's plastic value chains by ensuring a stable supply of waste plastics as raw material.

LOOPS 3.0 #3 | Navigating the Digital Frontier with
MIND4MACHINES - FORGING - PATH2DEA

In this episode of LOOPS, we explore how digital technologies are driving EU sectors towards ambitious climate goals.

MIND4MACHINES empowers manufacturing SMEs with innovative technology for greener production. FORGING is accelerating sustainability in various industries by shaping technological pathways across various industries, while PATH2DEA works with enhancing agriculture with advanced tools for sustainable farming.

LOOPS 3.0 #2 | Composites for the Circular Economy:
VIT meets VIBES

In the second episode of LOOPS this season, we're exploring new innovative approaches with composite materials for Circular Economy purposes.

We spotlight pioneering projects VIT with a focus on enhancing vitrimers and VIBES, which is developing cost-efficient technology to break down thermoset composites for component recovery.

LOOPS 3 0 #1 Advancing Wind Energy Circularity
DeremCo meets EoLO HUBS

LOOPS returns to embody the pulse of innovation, offering a live webinar platform dedicated to illuminating the realms of circular economy and sustainability, showcasing how groundbreaking research materializes into real-world impact.

As we begin the new season we turn the spotlight to the complex terrain of wind turbine blades within the circular economy and delve into the results of DeremCo and EoLO HUBS, two dynamic EU funded projects, that offers an exclusive glimpse into the future they envisage for the wind energy sector.

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